Talented young rugby stars at Llantwit Fardre RFC were recognised for their achievements at an awards ceremony sponsored by local housebuilder Bellway.
The company, which has recently completed construction work at its Coed Derw development in the village, donated towards the cost of the club’s Under 13s presentation night on Friday, May 22.
An annual presentation night has taken place for this cohort of players every year since they formed as the Under 5s team. Each year, all members of the playing squad receive a trophy to recognise their hard work and commitment over the course of the season.
But for the first time this year, with the team preparing to step up to fully competitive rugby as the Under 14s next season, a further seven special awards were handed out to players who have excelled on and off the pitch. Three of these awards were sponsored by Bellway and the housebuilder’s donation also covered the cost of food for all 25 members of the playing squad on the night.
Scott Harding, Under 13s Team Manager at Llantwit Fardre RFC, said: “The club contributes towards the trophies that we present to the boys every year but as a coaching team we also wanted to have specific awards to recognise outstanding achievements, such as supporters’ player, players’ player and clubman of the year, and for that we had to find the money ourselves.
“Four of the trophies have been sponsored by parents with Bellway’s contribution covering the rest.
“It’s a massive help as without it we would have had to do some additional fundraising to give something back to the players and their families for their hard work during the season.
“The awards nights are something the boys really look forward to. We have a dartboard and a bit of karaoke and we also get an outside caterer such as a burger van or hog roast to provide food so the parents don’t have to cook.
“It’s an opportunity for the players to get together as a group and celebrate the season that’s just been.
“As a local sports club, having the support of companies like Bellway is invaluable. Without the generosity of local businesses we would need to ask the parents for more money in terms of subs so contributions like this are greatly appreciated by the players, parents and club members.”
Daniel Shone, Head of Sales for Bellway Wales, said: “Grassroots sports clubs like Llantwit Fardre RFC are the backbone of their communities and make such an important contribution to local life.
“Supporting such groups is a key part of Bellway’s commitment to building places where people thrive and as the Wales division based in Cardiff we fully appreciate the special place that the sport of rugby holds in the hearts of the nation.
“We’re pleased that our sponsorship enabled the club to recognise the achievements of the Under 13s team following their run to the Cardiff Rugby Cup quarter finals this season and we wish the group all the best as they prepare to move up to the next level.”
Bellway has now completed construction work on its 95-home Coed Derw development, which regenerated the former Clariant plant site on Llantrisant Road. All homes have now been reserved and Bellway is due to hand over the keys to the final properties by June 2026.
For more information about new homes Bellway is building in Wales, click here.
