A NEWLY formed mini rugby team in Blaenavon is set to continue the town’s historic rugby pedigree by becoming one of the youngest-ever sides in its history.

Forgeside Mini Rugby Under-Sevens already has 27 members – some as young as five.

The club was established by parents and is coached by former players Caal Mattravers, Gareth Jones and Mathew Jones at the Blaenavon Heritage School and Forgeside RFC’s ground.

“We decided to give it a try because there was nothing other than football available locally for children of this age group,” said Mr Mattravers.

“It’s taken off much better than we expected, with new players coming on board all the time.”

The club received a donation of £1,000 from the Blaenavon Leisure and Sports Trust (BLAST) towards new kit, after previous clothing was too big for the young players.

Parents had bought branded rugby tops for practice sessions, but the players were having to borrow numbered shirts and shorts from the seven-plus team.

Mr Mattravers added that playing rugby was helping the children’s self-confidence from being part of a group, and also their social skills, as they played with children from out of town and different schools.

“It’s improving their general health and fitness, as they’re more active, and teaching them discipline - both on and off the field.

"It's just a great way of getting children of all ages, shapes and sizes, from different backgrounds, socialising with each other,” he added.

The club’s senior side has also benefitted from funding, after it received a financial aid to improve facilities including the changing rooms, floodlights and posts.

“The rugby posts’ metal had become so decayed that the integrity and safety of their structure was of grave concern,” said manager Tony Davies.

“New rugby posts cost more than £500, so we’re very grateful for BLAST’s support.”

BLAST was set up in 2007, as a result of the fight to save Blaenavon’s leisure facilities from closure, managing to raise £50,000 despite unsuccessful in their bid.

The charity’s chairman, John Beavan, said: “We want to make sports and leisure clubs and teams and individuals aware that there is this pot of money that the people who made donations to would like to see recycled back into the community.”

Anyone interested in applying for a maximum community sport-related donation of up to £1,000 should contact BLASTgroup@hotmail.com for an application form or contact John Beavan on 01495 792140.