Rhondda Netball had a special visitor recently, when Ian Gough, the 64 times capped former Wales rugby star, dropped-in on their pre-season preparations.
Lawrie Davies, Managing Director at Rhondda Netball, explains: "Goffy and my Dad (Phil) have been good mates since they worked together at Newport Rugby back in the days before the regions were created. When he called into the office recently and saw the netball operation in full swing, Goffy wanted to know more. Forty-five minutes later, he'd had the full presentation! He was awesome and really impressed. For a guy who's had such a successful career in top level professional sport to be blown away by what's been achieved to date and our ambitions going forward, was especially encouraging!"
Created in September 2016, Rhondda Netball has made significant in-roads into addressing the gender inequality of sporting opportunities in Rhondda. With over 500 girls participating in the new structure that involves school leagues, after-school and evening netball clubs and leagues, and Rhondda representative teams, netball has never had such a high profile. And with new age groups being added at U9's and U15's next month, the numbers are set to grow still further!!
It's no wonder Goffy was so impressed!
"I well remember the fantastic community projects Phil ran at Newport Rugby Club!" the former Wales second row Ian Gough told Wales Online."The kids and parents loved them and it was one of the key reasons why Newport in those days of the early Noughties, played in front of a packed Rodney Parade week-in, week-out. So in a way, it's no surprise to see the way that Lawrie and Rhondda Netball is setting the world of female sport ablaze. The backing of the schools, the huge participation numbers, the reach deep into the community, and the tidal wave of parental support would be amazing at any time, but given the fact that the initiative doesn't celebrate its first anniversary until September, makes Rhondda Netball a truly astonishing story. The mind boggles at what it will look like in two or three years time! I for one, am expecting great things and suspect that female sport is in for a period of significant growth and heightened profile. A big well done to all involved!"
Warm words of praise indeed, from a true rugby legend!
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