Ospreys working hard in the Region

Two Press Releases this morning on initiatives underway.

Justin Tipuric and Tom Smith will add their expert knowledge to a special coach development event being hosted by the Ospreys at Llandarcy this week. The duo will be discussing the Tackle Contest tonight (Monday 22nd October) as part of the latest clinic run by the Community Rugby team, led by Coach Development Officer Dan Owens.
The evening, which gets underway at 7.00pm and is open to all active club coaches in the Ospreys region, is the latest in a long series of events organised by Dan and his Coach Development Colleague Tony Thomas, aimed at improving coaching standards across the region and in turn, helping to raise playing standards.


AND

More than 100 schoolchildren from five local primary schools descended on the Ospreys' Llandarcy training bases on Friday to take part in the first Ospreys Schools Network Festival. A new initiative linked to the recently launched Ospreys Schools Programme, the Schools Network Festival will be a regular event allowing children from schools participating in the programme coming together for a fun day of rugby at the home of the Ospreys.
In attendance at the first Festival were pupils from Blaenymaes, Gnoll, Gowerton, Penyrheol and Ysgol Gymraeg Gellionen, and they enjoyed rugby fun and games under the watchful eye of Ospreys/WRU Participation Officers.

Good news after a bad weekend.

Excellent. Great to see experienced players and coaches giving something to the grass roots. I hope it continues each year and happens in every Region.

TBH this is all basic stuff that all the regions are doing (well I know at least the Dragons and Blues anyway) not sure why they need a press release, unless it's just to try and counter the implosion yesterday.

That’s all it is Bluesman, a smokescreen to deflect from yesterdays huge defeat.

I guess some people will buy it.

mikey_philVIII wrote:Excellent. Great to see experienced players and coaches giving something to the grass roots. I hope it continues each year and happens in every Region.

Yes it's good work.

Nice to see the ospreys advertising what they are doing. Helps get more people and schools involved. Hopefully inspires more kids.

off hersh..

This is great too..! A clever way to encourage and educate, sometimes insuring an interest through application inspires fantastically well.

RWE SCHOOL PROGRAMME

In line with our drive to be at the very centre of the Ospreylian community, Ospreys Rugby are delighted to announce this exciting new initiative which will shortly be rolled out to the primary schools within the unitary authorities of Swansea, Neath / Port Talbot and Bridgend. The initiative has come about through a collegiate strategy developed by Ospreys Rugby, RWE, WRU, Castell Howell Foods and Neath Port Talbot College, respectively.

The scheme will seek to engage pupils in Years 5 & 6 and encourage them to develop their oracy, literacy and numeracy skills through investigating various aspects of Ospreys rugby activities and relating them to aspects of the pupils' own lives. Further to this, the initiative seeks to provide opportunities for pupils to develop their inter-personal skills and enhance their self esteem.

There are 6 elements to this programme, which will be delivered through 6 individual sessions, culminating in a rugby tournament, with the emphasis firmly on participation! The other five areas will focus on the following areas:

Who are the Ospreys

A week in the life of an Ospreys player
Match Day

A player visit to participating school

A tour of the Liberty Stadium,
with a unique multi-sensory experience of how the home changing area would be on match days.

An energy awareness workshop, in association with RWE.

A healthy eating experience in association with Castell Howell Foods.

All stake holders in the programme are excited about the prospect of implementing this initiative, which will be formerly launched in september 2012, with Education Minister Leighton Andrew AM among the guests attending.

Breadvan wrote: off hersh..

Please don't encourage him to ruin this thread with dross. The mods prefer if you ignore him.

They're all at it.

http://www.cardiffblues.com/community/index.php

Good stuff.

Not that I'm backing HERSH up but it is all basic stuff done all over europe, the O's will have been doing it for years so why the press release??

Thanks Bluesman

thebluesmancometh wrote:Not that I'm backing HERSH up but it is all basic stuff done all over europe, the O's will have been doing it for years so why the press release??

He is dead right aye. It's standard Dragons fare, to release a story like this after a disappointing result. We tend to get one every other week though.

It doesn't detract from the fact that they're good ideas, but yeah they're hardly going to make you pump your chest out as Ospreys supporters, are they.

In fairness to maestegmafia, in the underworld of finding silver linings, he's Don Corleone.

Difficult to feel anything but respect for someone who is so relentlessly optimistic.

Risca Rev wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:Not that I'm backing HERSH up but it is all basic stuff done all over europe, the O's will have been doing it for years so why the press release??

He is dead right aye. It's standard Dragons fare, to release a story like this after a disappointing result. We tend to get one every other week though.

It doesn't detract from the fact that they're good ideas, but yeah they're hardly going to make you pump your chest out as Ospreys supporters, are they.

Exactly. Its a standard press release tbf. Doesn't get me going. Maybe if they'd announce the reduction in the price of beer or having busty cheerleaders pre match at the turnstiles...

Casartelli wrote:In fairness to maestegmafia, in the underworld of finding silver linings, he's Don Corleone.

Difficult to feel anything but respect for someone who is so relentlessly optimistic.

Considering the lack of silver linings between 1987 and about 1997 everything makes you very optimistic about Welsh rugby since.

The focus on the future not the immediate present is the direction we need.

maestegmafia wrote:

Casartelli wrote:In fairness to maestegmafia, in the underworld of finding silver linings, he's Don Corleone.

Difficult to feel anything but respect for someone who is so relentlessly optimistic.

Considering the lack of silver linings between 1987 and about 1997 everything makes you very optimistic about Welsh rugby since.

The focus on the future not the immediate present is the direction we need.

Yeah, focus on the future is what they said when they dreamt up the 'regions' idea in 2003. Wish they'd told us what we were focusing on.

And how long it was going to take.

OMG Maesteg you weren't joking. Some of the things on the list seem very sensible. (although I'd always be cautious about 'a healthy eating experience in association with Castell Howell Foods.')

but - 'a unique multi-sensory experience of how the home changing area would be on match days.'

The mind boggles.

Casartelli wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Casartelli wrote:In fairness to maestegmafia, in the underworld of finding silver linings, he's Don Corleone.

Difficult to feel anything but respect for someone who is so relentlessly optimistic.

Considering the lack of silver linings between 1987 and about 1997 everything makes you very optimistic about Welsh rugby since.

The focus on the future not the immediate present is the direction we need.

Yeah, focus on the future is what they said when they dreamt up the 'regions' idea in 2003. Wish they'd told us what we were focusing on.

And how long it was going to take.

Did you think with the lack of depth in wales in 2003 that we could have five successful regions within a decade? We had two averagely successful clubs back then, and they had a hell of a lot of imports at national and club level.

Maes - I thought we would have had two consistently competitive teams at HC level within 4 or 5 seasons.

But that wasn't really the point. Do you think there is any sort of plan? At all? Or is it just do a few 'initiatives' with schools, make it up as we go along and hope at some point in the future things get better?

Because there's nothing in these press releases that's news. They just give things fancy new names every season.

thebluesmancometh wrote:TBH this is all basic stuff that all the regions are doing (well I know at least the Dragons and Blues anyway) not sure why they need a press release, unless it's just to try and counter the implosion yesterday.

I think the Blues would have needed to announce that they had cured cancer, or discovered the meaning of life if they were going to counter their implosion up at Sale last week.

Were there any rhinestone-studded (Best Friends Forever) belt buckles on show?

If not, why not?

Casartelli wrote:Maes - I thought we would have had two consistently competitive teams at HC level within 4 or 5 seasons.

But that wasn't really the point. Do you think there is any sort of plan? At all? Or is it just do a few 'initiatives' with schools, make it up as we go along and hope at some point in the future things get better?

Because there's nothing in these press releases that's news. They just give things fancy new names every season.

I think that most people ten year sago could not have envisaged how expensive rugby would become in France. playing budgets of €20m...! Its ridiculous.

Avalon wrote:Were there any rhinestone-studded (Best Friends Forever) belt buckles on show?

If not, why not?

It saddens me that these silly rumours still raise their ugly heads every so often, just to ridicule Sean Holley.

There were never any "Best Friends Forever" belt buckles for goodness sake!

It was "Mates for Life".

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1kptn/OspreysvCardiffBlues/resources/24.htm

The Best Friends Forever lies have been so damaging that Sean has now removed all belt buckle references from his website.

http://www.seanholley.co.uk/

This weekend sees the return of first class rugby to the traditional Saturday afternoon time slot when the Ospreys entertain Connacht at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday 27th October, kicking off at 2.30pm. The game is not being televised live on any channel, so the only way to see the whole game in its entirety is to be at the Liberty Stadium and support the cause in person.
You can pick up tickets for the game now from the Liberty Stadium Ticket Office, online at www.ospreysrugby.com/buytickets and via the Ticket Hotline on 0844 815 6665, with prices starting from £20 (adults), and child prices from £5.

Meanwhile, tickets are currently on sale for all home game up until the end of 2012, including the visit of Leinster on Sunday 4th November, Gloucester in the LV= Cup on Friday 9th November, the Welsh derby against Cardiff Blues on Friday 30th November, the massive Heineken Cup clash against Toulouse on Saturday 15th December. Finally, with under 9,000 tickets available for the traditional Boxing Day clash against the Scarlets, you can secure your seats for the big game now to avoid any disappointment.

I cant but help think of this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHc2YwdgIog

And as for 'multi sensory' I cant help but think of the inevitable question

'What are those smells?'
'Well that one is linament, and that one is sweat'
'And the other one?'
'That is the smell of fear...'

£20

The following Ospreys players were not considered for last weekends match because of injury:

Scott Baldwin - Shoulder

Tom Smith - Groin

Tom Habberfield - Ankle

James King - Shoulder

£20!

I could buy 33 hotdogs in Ikea for that and have 20p left over

Hmmm decisions?

Casartelli wrote:

Avalon wrote:Were there any rhinestone-studded (Best Friends Forever) belt buckles on show?

If not, why not?

It saddens me that these silly rumours still raise their ugly heads every so often, just to ridicule Sean Holley.

There were never any "Best Friends Forever" belt buckles for goodness sake!

It was "Mates for Life".

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1kptn/OspreysvCardiffBlues/resources/24.htm

The Best Friends Forever lies have been so damaging that Sean has now removed all belt buckle references from his website.

http://www.seanholley.co.uk/

This never fails to make me laugh. Holley is a genius!

Avalon wrote:

Casartelli wrote:

Avalon wrote:Were there any rhinestone-studded (Best Friends Forever) belt buckles on show?

If not, why not?

It saddens me that these silly rumours still raise their ugly heads every so often, just to ridicule Sean Holley.

There were never any "Best Friends Forever" belt buckles for goodness sake!

It was "Mates for Life".

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1kptn/OspreysvCardiffBlues/resources/24.htm

The Best Friends Forever lies have been so damaging that Sean has now removed all belt buckle references from his website.

http://www.seanholley.co.uk/

This never fails to make me laugh. Holley is a genius!

You can have him all to yourself, no one ever wanted him at Llandarcy. What team do you support? I see you are a new/repeat poster?

maestegmafia wrote:

Avalon wrote:

Casartelli wrote:

Avalon wrote:Were there any rhinestone-studded (Best Friends Forever) belt buckles on show?

If not, why not?

It saddens me that these silly rumours still raise their ugly heads every so often, just to ridicule Sean Holley.

There were never any "Best Friends Forever" belt buckles for goodness sake!

It was "Mates for Life".

http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1kptn/OspreysvCardiffBlues/resources/24.htm

The Best Friends Forever lies have been so damaging that Sean has now removed all belt buckle references from his website.

http://www.seanholley.co.uk/

This never fails to make me laugh. Holley is a genius!

You can have him all to yourself, no one ever wanted him at Llandarcy. What team do you support? I see you are a new/repeat poster?

Just joshing! Him and Haskell should have a joint website.

I follow Glaws as I used to live them quite a few years ago. Haven't been to Kingsholm in quite a while though so probably can't call myself a fully-fledged supporter any more. I try and get back every now and again if I'm visiting friends.

What do you mean by 'repeat' poster?

33 hotdogs mmmm....

Avalon wrote:What do you mean by 'repeat' poster?

Someone who has previously been banned and has started a new account here pretending to be a new poster.

So many people are doing it its hard to tell. Those that are repeat posters spend most of their time trying to annoy people until they are banned again.

You sound slightly paranoid Mae.

Not everyone out there is trying to deceive you.

Colleges round-up

23 October 2012
By Matthew Davies

The Osprey Regional College teams continue their league campaigns this Wednesday.

Neath Port Talbot will be looking to show some cutting edge when they welcome Pembroke College to Llandarcy. The team drew 12-12 in last week's fixture against Coleg Margannwg and will be looking to be more clinical to grab the win.
Gower College Swansea are hunting for their first win and will be hoping to overcome the challenge of Coleg Morgannwg in order to secure that all-important victory. Gower held the lead at half time in their opening two matches but were unable to finish the game on top.

Bridgend College are in a rich vein of form following back to back victories against Coleg Gwent and Gower College. They will be looking to follow up these fine performances when they travel to face the unbeaten Llandovery College and bag their third consecutive victory.

maestegmafia wrote:The following Ospreys players were not considered for last weekends match because of injury:

Scott Baldwin - Shoulder

Tom Smith - Groin

Tom Habberfield - Ankle

James King - Shoulder

What does that have to do with the Ospreys 'working hard in the region'?

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:What does that have to do with the Ospreys 'working hard in the region'?

Nothing. I just posted it on the wrong thread.

The Ospreys Community Rugby team have been hosting a series of club festivals at Llandarcy during October, which have seen hundreds of young rugby players taking to the field under the watchful eye of Ospreys players and Development Coaches.

The festivals have operated at U9, U10 and U11 level, with the Ospreys Referees Society and WRU/Ospreys Coach Development Officers playing a full part in the management of the days to ensure that the events are held in the right spirit and that WRU pathway rules are all adhered to.

http://www.ospreysrugby.com/news/5706.php#.UIgKYo7Rp38

In support of MM, not that he needs it the first topic was released on the day it was occuring, the 2nd was released the same day and had taken place the previous working day(Friday of the week before), sorry Maes it was not a Press Release it was placed on the Ospreys own website, it has not been seen AFAIK in any printed form. What I'm getting at it is for Ospreys supporters, and when should this have been released if not the nearest day to both actions taking place?

Wayne

I think the dates of these events should you wish to attend are on the calendar online.

But I agree that publicity in advance would swell attention and attract more followers

maestegmafia wrote:Wayne

I think the dates of these events should you wish to attend are on the calendar online.

But I agree that publicity in advance would swell attention and attract more followers

Maes I agree with you, I already knew about these things, I posted because of some of the rubbish posted on here, that it was posted to offset the terrible result over the weekend, when that day was the OBVIOUS day to release onto our website.
Keep up the good work

No problem...! Its good take an interest in the very good things being done that are so readily ignored and forgotten.

One Ospreys training camp for a youngster on half term might inspire a future Welsh/Lions great of the future.

The Ospreys are teaming up with Tesco Extra Llansamlet to host a half-term family fun day on Friday, which is open to everybody and is completely free!

Taking place in a special Ospreys area at the store, there will be player appearances, rugby skills sessions and fun games with the Community Rugby team and a chance to test yourself on the passing net, as well as sticker and poster giveaways, photo opportunities and a chance to get your picture taken with the RaboDirect PRO12 trophy.
The fun begins at 10am, community coaches will be running open skills sessions and rugby games throughout the day, with player appearances from the likes of Tom Smith, Tom Habberfield, Scott Baldwin and Adam Jones getting underway from 1pm.

The full match-day 23 that will face Leinster at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday will then take time out from preparations for the crucial RaboDirect PRO12 match against the reigning European champs to visit the store, arriving at the end of their training day at around 3.00pm, and will stay until the event wraps up an hour or so later.

Jonathan Thomas, one of the senior players in the group who will be attending on Friday, said it's going to be a good day:

"We're all looking forward to going along to Tesco on Friday afternoon and spending time with supporters. It's important that we get out and about to events like this and really get to know our fans.

"We represent the local community and if we support them in various ways like public appearances, club and school visits, then we hope that they will support us. It's going to be a great day, and with no school, hopefully there'll be a good turnout."

The 2012/13 Ospreys charity jersey will be officially unveiled on Monday 5th November, in aid of the Stepping Stones Appeal, to be worn in this year's LV= Cup campaign.

For those who can't wait, here's a sneaky peek. More to come over the next few days.....

http://www.ospreysrugby.com/

I currently live on the other side of Swansea. My kids are at primary school, eldest son had a training session taken by an Ospreys coach (he wasnt impressed but at that age its not surprising). They also had a visit from some players last year (Ian Gough, Tommy Bowe and an upcoming prop whose name escapes me). But for whatever reason (and I have no evidence beyond the Scarlets supporters I know or have met) I cant help feeling that the Scarlets down the road have a much closer relationship with their fans than the Ospreys

lostinwales wrote:I currently live on the other side of Swansea. My kids are at primary school, eldest son had a training session taken by an Ospreys coach (he wasnt impressed but at that age its not surprising). They also had a visit from some players last year (Ian Gough, Tommy Bowe and an upcoming prop whose name escapes me). But for whatever reason (and I have no evidence beyond the Scarlets supporters I know or have met) I cant help feeling that the Scarlets down the road have a much closer relationship with their fans than the Ospreys

All relationships encouraged between regions and their young fans is great in my opinion.

What are the Scarlets up too?

The Safer Swansea Community Safety Partnership has once again teamed up with the Ospreys to produce a free full colour poster which promote important community safety messages.

The messages cover topics such as personal safety, dangers of alcohol and drugs, bullying and much much more.
Paul Evans, Safer Swansea Community Safety Officer, said:

"We are very pleased with the success of last season's campaign. We recognise that this project is an innovative and appealing way to communicate our community safety messages. Once the supporters put these posters on their wall we hope that they will read the community safety messages and take on board the importance of personal safety."

Ospreys captain Alun Wyn Jones said:

"We are pleased to be taking part in this project. The personal safety for our young supporters is very important to us. These posters will not only promote the Ospreys but also highlight the many key aspects that affect young people lives in and around the Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot areas."

Posters will be first available to supporters in the Liberty Stadium supporter's village at the forthcoming Ospreys game against Leinster on Sunday 4th November, KO 4.00pm.

Are you sure you aren't the Ospreys spin doctor Maes?

Good to hear