Young Dragons (From Free Press Series)

Young Dragons

THE biggest rugby training session ever to hit Pontypool brought hundreds of youngsters and star players to the park.

A-level students from St Alban's and players from Newport Gwent Dragons joined youngsters from St Alban's, Penygarn and Pontymoile primary schools.

Around 170 boys and girls from the three primary schools were thrilled at getting invaluable tips from Newport Gwent Dragons players, some of whom are in the Welsh line-up for the six nations championship.

Torfaen's Rugby Development officer Ben Jeffries, the WRU and the Gwent Dragons organised the event, which took place last Friday. Youngsters braved the cold to practice passing and improving their ball skills.

Mr Jeffries said: "These kids couldn't have any better role models than these players and it has been a great way for the Newport Gwent Dragons to make a mark on the community and promote fitness for youngsters in Torfaen."

Newport Gwent Dragons' Ian Gough, who is preparing for the Six Nations was on hand to encourage the youngsters.

"All the youngsters had a great time and had a really good go at it. It's about enjoying yourself and getting fit and improving your skills. At the same time it's good for the Dragons to go out into the local community." The Free Press spoke to a group of enthusiastic Penygarn pupils who were training with star player Ceri Sweeney.

Daniel Atkinson, 9, Jordan Fitzgerald, 9, David Mullen, 10, and John Paul Miller, 9, all from Penygarn Junior School were getting valuable tips from Sweeney.

David said: "It was fantastic, I'm on the school team at the moment but I would like to do what they are doing and play professionally."