THE Old Penarthians’ Mini and Junior section played their first home game last Sunday against Club Caerdydd.

The day was blessed with near summer weather and the standard of rugby was high at all age groups. The day was made very special by the shirts that all the Old Penarthians sides were wearing. From the Senior Teams to the under 7s, for the first time all age group are wearing the same shirt and the electric blue of the Old Penarthians could be seen right across all the pitches.

The Club has been working hard to raise sponsorship for the jerseys and kits and the club has been active in ensuring all teams were kitted out and looked the same. For Rob Crimp, the Minis and Junior Chairman it was a very proud day, he said “along with all the committee, coaches and sponsors, we have been working towards this day for a couple of years and don’t they look so smart, one team, different ages, all Old Penarthians.”

Stuart Barter, the Old Penarthians under 8s coach is very happy with his team and the new kits. Having finished last season on a high as the under 7s Cardiff, Vale and District Cup winners the team known as the ‘Titans’ has been impressing once again. Now at under 8s, the squad has recently had a third place in the Cardiff Blues Regional tournament and won the Sinclair Cup at Llantwit Major. Stuart said “that the boys and girls in the squad were very proud of their new kits and that the sponsors were all proud to put their names to a successful squad with over 30 children regularly playing rugby.”

The main sponsor for the U8's shirts are Bull Dog Skin Care for Men, their logo of a bull dog on the front of the jerseys is a great talisman for them.’ Stuart went on to say ‘the parents help in sourcing the other sponsors had been greatly appreciated; another kit sponsor was Steve Davis of Phoenix Design, Civil Engineer Consultants and training kit consisting of hoodies and wet weather jackets are soon to be delivered. These have been sponsored by Mathew King of ACTIS insulation, leaders in insulation for the home and business; and Gareth Davies of Automotive World, leading providers of information and analysis in the automotive industry.’

The Under 7's new kit was kindly sponsored by Complete Build Wales and Blues Electrical whilst the Under 9 and Under 11's have had similar sponsorship from Nick Stout Paving and Taylor Wimpey.

Rob Crimp finished by saying “the generosity of the sponsors for all teams means that the Old Penarthians can field teams at all ages to enjoy rugby at grass roots levels and with the number of children now playing, the future looks very bright for the club. Thank you to all of the sponsors.”