The Celtic Crusaders have recently undertaken a groundbreaking community initiative in partnership with the Parc Prison in Bridgend.

The Crusaders staff delivered a three-day course with 15 offenders aged 18 to 24 yrs. The course was overseen by new Crusaders Player performance Manager and ex Prison Physical Education Instructor Andy Lindley and Community Officer Matt Pritchard. The prisoners were taught rugby league skills such as basic passing, catching, defending, and attacking plays and then on the final day a game of semi contact rugby league.

The prisoners engaged very positively with the course and all commented on what a worthwhile experience it was; enhanced by Head Coach John Dixon visiting to give a motivational talk about the future of Rugby League and the benefits to all involved.

The project is part of the Crusaders community programme, which seeks to get all members of the local community involved in Rugby League and in supporting the club.

Celtic Crusaders Community Officer Matt Pritchard:

“It was great to see the lads enjoy the project so much, they really threw themselves into the activity. The Parc staff have been great to work with, they have been very professional and we hope to continue to build a relationship with them”.

Celtic Crusaders Equality & Diversity Officer Eleanor Williams:

“The Crusaders are committed to giving opportunities to all sectors of the community to participate in Rugby League and enjoy the benefits brought to the community by the Crusaders. Now we have a Super League license we want to make sure a wide-range of community groups are engaged.”

Parc Prison Marketing & Communications Manager Sara Webber:

“Working with the Celtic Crusaders has been very inspirational, for both staff and prisoner. Their commitment and dedication along with their first class skills have proved to be a real asset to the new sporting interventions here at Parc. I would personally like to thank Matt, Andy and John on behalf of all the prisoners and staff that have been involved so far, and very much look forward to working with The Crusaders  in the near future. In addition I would like to congratulate The Crusaders for their well deserved promotion up to the Super League.”