We are absolutely delighted to be nominated again for a Travis Perkins Better Together award for our Schools Gateway Project in partnership with the Dragons RFC Community Team. Having won the award for last year’s programme, the prize of £5000 was re-invested meaning we could increase the number of schools participating to 19 and have introduced more activities that will benefit the health and wellbeing of children and adults in Blaenau Gwent.

The Dragons RFC Schools Gateway Programme in partnership with Tai Calon in the Blaenau Gwent region is an initiative aimed at normalising physical activity whilst promoting sportsmanship and enhancing the overall physical development of young pupils. Although the project is based primarily around rugby, the sessions promote general wellbeing, physical literacy, participation in all sports, anti-bullying and global citizenship. The 2024/25 project is engaging with now 19 out of the 21 available Primary schools in the region including one SEN and one Welsh medium school reaching approximately 30 children per session meaning that this school year we’ll engage with over 700 pupils. In addition to this, the partnership is also delivering:

  • Memories – a group meeting weekly aimed at reducing social isolation and increasing well-being in senior adults and currently averaging 15 participants a session.
  • Fit & Fed camps throughout Blaenau Gwent, Abertillery, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar during the school holidays throughout the year with bookings of up to 40 children on each camp. These sessions are free to all with breakfast and lunch provided.
  • ‘Give rugby a try’ – weekly sessions for Children aged 11+ held at Abertillery and Llanhilleth to reduce Anti-social behaviour in these areas.

“I love the lesson with the Dragons and we all look forward to it every week, it’s brilliant.” – Evan aged 9.