Chris Jones, the Blues Rhondda Cynon Taff Player Development Officer, has been rewarded for his devotion to coaching young people and developing their interest in sport.
Chris Jones, the Blues Rhondda Cynon Taff Player Development Officer, has been rewarded for his devotion to coaching young people and developing their interest in sport.
Chris, from Porth, has coached hundred of boys and girls over the past 15 years and has taken charge of many successful sides in his role as the Rhondda Cynon Taff rugby development officer. He took on this role following a change of direction in his life after receiving two life-time bans from rugby and frequent run-ins with the law when he was younger.
Chris encourages children in the community to participate in sport outside of school, as he believes it can help steer them away from anti-social behaviour, drink and drugs. He has been described by his players and parents, past and present, as a perfect role model.
This dedication has been recognised in a competition to reward those that have made a special difference to the lives of children and young people inlocal communities; Chris was nominated by one of his players as a way of saying thank you for his commitment.
The ‘Diolch Day’ awards are organised by leading, Wales–based fostering agency, Pathway Care, and supported by Real Radio. They are designed to reward those who have made a difference to the lives of children and young people in the community. They also offer a great opportunity to simply say, ‘thank you’. .
Chris was chosen from hundreds on entries from across south and west Wales by a judging panel made up of, Welsh rugby star Gareth Williams, Gareth Setter, programme director at Real Radio and Judith Rees of Pathway Care.
Judith Rees, director of Wales, Pathway Care said: “We work with children in care on a daily basis and have seen time and again what difference a positive role model can make to their lives. ‘Diolch Day’ has been a great opportunity to thank those who have been so committed to enriching the lives of children across Wales.
“We were overwhelmed by the number of deserving entries. That said, Chris really stood out for his commitment to not only coaching the children but mentoring them and really changing the direction of their lives at the same time.”
Welsh rugby star Gareth Williams, and soon to be father, added: “Chris’ commitment to coaching youngsters is fantastic. I know I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the commitment of my coaches. People like Chris are un-sung heroes and without them many kids wouldn’t have the chance to play rugby or any other sports.”
Chris was rewarded for his commitment with a prize of a well deserved luxury holiday for him and his wife. He was also presented with a trophy by the ‘Diolch Day ‘team when they arrived at one of his local schools.
Chris said: "I've not always been this good. In the last 20 years I've changed my life for the better and so I wanted to give something back, rugby is all I knew so it made sense to help the kids in my area and hopefully lead them away from a life I once had."
The event was created to say ‘thank you’ to those that have transformed the lives of children in Wales, and ultimately draw attention to the desperate need for foster carers. This is the first year ‘Diolch Day’ has been held and following its success is set to become an annual event.
There is currently a shortage of 750 foster carers across Wales and Pathway Care is hoping these awards will draw attention to this urgent requirement and encourage more people to consider a career in foster care.
To start making a difference or for more information, please get in touch with Pathway Care Group, visit their website at www.pathwaycare.com or email [email protected] or call: 0871 226 3760