Over the last year Street Rugby, which Crusaders have developed in partnership with North Wales Police, Safer Wrexham “Community Safety Partnership”, National organisation Street Games and community first, has been piloted in three deprived areas in Wrexham.

The key aims of this ambitious project were to reduce anti social behaviour and crime, build the trust and confidence of young people and provide sporting opportunities in deprived areas.

The results of this initiative have exceeded all expectations and the project was recently recognised for the prestigious High Sheriff of Clwyd Award.

The program targeted 11 – 18 yrs girls and boys in each area with weekly sessions held in the evening when there is an increased risk of anti social behaviour.

Every four weeks the areas played in a festival which generated a real sense of community engagement; trophies were presented to the winners and the player of the tournament and we also offered Street Dance for younger children who then danced at the super league match.

Street rugby is about literally taking sport to the doorstep and the flexible rules means the game can be adapted to the venue whether this is on grass sand or cement.

As a direct result of the project there has been some fantastic outcomes to name a few:
•    Decrease in anti social behaviour with ZERO calls to police from the time Street Rugby League started and finished in Caia.
•    One child’s medical dosage for ADHD decreased through Street Rugby League, this young person was previously difficult to engage
•    Improved relations and trust between police and local community and families
•    Developed skills (sporting, social and emotional) of young people taking part in street rugby – three participants were put forward for scholarship trials
•    Community engagement – increase in volunteers training as coaches and match officials (sustainability element)

Crusaders Community Development manager said: “This program is what Rugby League is all about giving everyone a go and a chance at the sport, whilst also helping decrease anti social behaviour.

“Myself and Miles Hanmer from North Wales police would like to thank the partnerships involved and because of the success of the programme Street Rugby will be expanding to new areas this year.”