CREDAF is an exciting rugby initiative that Ysgol Dyffryn Aman would like to run during the autumn academic term in conjunction with the local primary schools and rugby clubs.

The aim is to increase the participation of boys and girls in rugby union between the ages of eight and 11 and to develop links between the local clubs and their respective primary schools.

Wouldn’t it be great to offer children every opportunity to realise their dream of playing for the Welsh national men’s or women’s teams. Why can’t the next star be born and bred in one of our local villages, be introduced to rugby at their primary school and club and further developed at the area’s secondary school? Sounds a familiar story doesn’t it?

Two pools made up of teams from Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman, Ysgol Bro Banw, Ysgol y Bedol, Ysgol Brynaman, Ysgol Tycroes, Ysgol Parcyrhun, Ysgol Saron and Ysgol Betws/Llanedi will take part in a series of matches throughout the term.

CREDAF will be open to boys and girls from school years four, five and six which equates to U9, U10 and U11 age groups at club rugby.

On the second Friday of each month the first pool will meet at a nominated venue and play against an allocated school with, if viable, both A and B teams.

On the third Friday of each month the second pool will meet at a nominated venue and play against an allocated school with, again if viable, both A and B teams.

On the fourth Friday of each month players put forward by each school will meet at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman for a Skills Hub which will lead into the preparation of the Dinefwr U11 district team to compete for the Dewar Shield Competition in the spring term.

The final afternoon of the initiative will be a mini festival to be held at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman where each school will play mini matches against each of the schools in its pool.

It is hoped that more children will like participating in competitive matches where the onus will be on enjoyment in a safe environment. It is also hoped that the scheme will lead to closer links between the schools and the local rugby clubs and help prepare the children for their rugby activities at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in future years.