Cardiff Blues Under-18s have been fired up for the new season and the heat of battle - after a training session with a difference with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS).
Players from the Under-18s – currently undefeated after two rounds of the new Regional Age Grade Championship – visited the SWFRS Training Centre at Cardiff Gate ahead of the new campaign for a team building session.
Squad members from the Cardiff Under-18s learnt how SWFRS operates as a service and its positive working practices before taking part in a number of team-building exercises involving hose running, using breathing apparatus within a ‘hot house’ and a variety of other related Fire and Rescue Service training techniques and activities.
These exercises assisted in the development of the player’s communication and problem solving skills, as well as challenging their physical and mental attributes in a tough - but enjoyable - environment.
Richard Hodges, Elite Performance Pathway Manager at Cardiff Blues, said: “We were delighted that the SWFRS agreed to host our Under 18s. The challenge we faced was to integrate a new group quickly on and off the field ahead of the new season. To break down these barriers we approached the SWFRS while a lot of our players have expressed an interest in a career within the Fire Service post playing. The day was vital to our preparation and we thank SWFRS for their support.”
Area Manager Ian Greenman, Head of Training and Development for SWFRS, said: “It was an excellent opportunity for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to showcase our skills and facilities at Cardiff Gate Training and Development Centre. In partnership with Babcock, we are extremely proud of our flagship training centre and the state of the art resources which it has.
“We enjoyed welcoming Cardiff Blues Under-18s to the Centre to share with them our team working ethos, as well as how we develop team and leadership skills. This is the first of a number of opportunities and joint working arrangements between the Cardiff Blues and SWFRS.”
The SWFRS Training Centre at Cardiff Gate, in partnership with Babcock, has been operating for 10 years and ensures that the Service can ensures its Firefighters are trained to the highest standard including for, vehicle extrications at Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs), confined space, line and large animal rescues.
For further information visit www.southwales-fire.gov.uk
*Watch Cardiff Blues Under-18s in action this Wednesday evening as they face Scarlets Under-18s at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 7.15pm). Entry is £3 for adults. Thank you for supporting the next generation of stars at Cardiff Blues.