Young rugby players at Croesyceiliog RFC had a training session with a difference this week.

The youth and under 16s teamed up and were coached by the three men behind Tackle Your Thoughts, Dai Evans  Gareth Short and Josh Jones. This organisation uses sport to raise awareness of mental health and encourages teammates to talk and support each other off the pitch.

During the hour the players did the usual warm-up, skills and teamwork drills that were familiar to them. But this was mixed-up with short breaks where they took part in chats around mental health- spotting signs in others, recognising signs in yourself, coping mechanisms, asking for help and how you can be a good teammate and support each other.

Darren Brunnock, youth team manager, said there had been several suicides across the rugby community in south Wales over the last few years. He told me that the club want to do all they can to show their players it’s important to talk and help each other. This was the second time Tackle Your Thoughts has visited Croesyceiliog RFC.

Dai Evans, one of the directors, said: “The coaches here do a fantastic job, very good at helping what we are trying to preach and break down the stigma. They make sure the wellness of their players and their boys is top priority,  above anything.”

VIDEO- Watch Tackle Your Thoughts with the young players at Croesyceiliog RFC

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