Glyndwr University Backs Wheelchair Rugby

Wheelchair rugby players left without a training venue following the closure of the Plas Madoc Leisure Centre have a new home which comes with education and sports science support.

Glyndŵr University stepped in to provide new facilities and additional behind-the-scenes support for the North Wales Dragons side at its sports centre on Mold Road, Wrexham.

Now training at the community-focused institution twice a week, the side held an open training session and competitive club match to mark the move to the new venue.

Plas Madoc Leisure Centre closed in April 2014 following a long period of uncertainty over its future. However earlier this month Wrexham’s Executive Board voted in favour of passing the lease over to the Splash Magic Community Trust.

Amanda Thomas, regional development officer for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Ltd, said: “The university has provided us with some fantastic facilities and we’re hoping we can take the relationship a step further now.

“We want to forge a link between ourselves, Glyndŵr University and Rygbi Gogledd Cymru and this event was designed to kick that off, as well as open up the sport to a new audience.

“There’s been a huge increase in profile and participation in wheelchair rugby since London 2012 and there is real potential to grow the sport in North Wales.”

One of only two wheelchair rugby sides in Wales, North Wales Dragons were established more than 15 years ago and currently have a squad of 10 players.

The team competes in a Super Series league from November to May against teams from across the UK.

Played indoors with a volleyball, wheelchair rugby is a full contact sport played with customised wheelchairs which cost between £3,000 and £6,000. Players play in a position determined by a score calculated according to their level of impairment.

“It’s a fantastic sport and there are opportunities for able-bodied people to participate behind the scenes or as officials,” said Amanda. “It’s played at a fast pace – teams have a maximum of 40 seconds to score when they receive the ball – and we’re hoping it really takes off here in North Wales.”

Anna-Marie Brown, sports manager at Glyndŵr University, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the North Wales Dragons to the university and hope that they can develop and grow here as we support them along the way.

“Our support is not just about offering a new training facility. Our investment in their long-term development through sports science, education and student placement opportunities is something which we hope will benefit them tremendously.

“As a passionate supporter of both grass roots and elite level sport, Glyndŵr University is proud to be adding another team to a list which already includes Wrexham FC, North Wales Crusaders, Wrexham Futsal Club and Lex Glyndŵr FC.”

For more information about wheelchair rugby or to get involved visit gbwr.org.uk