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Budding young athletes have been left feeling inspired after a visit by boxing world champion Lauren Price MBE.

Olympic gold medallist-turned professional champion Price, from Ystrad Mynach, visited both Caerphilly Dragons football club and the Crumlin-based Valleys Gymnastics Academy (VGA).

During her visits, Price learned how both clubs have benefitted from National Lottery funding – something that she too benefitted from during her journey to winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

But before becoming a boxer, Price was a talented footballer, playing for Cardiff City and earning 52 caps for Wales.

Visiting Caerphilly Dragons, an all-girls club, Price saw a very different environment to what she experienced as a young girl playing football in the mid-2000s.

“I joined a team full of boys at Fleur-de-Lys where I was the only girl,” said Price

“It’s crazy to see how much has changed since then. Speaking to the coaches here at Caerphilly Dragons, it was amazing to hear that they have more than 300 girls on their books, all enjoying a chance to play and have fun.”

A £2,500 lottery grant was awarded to the Dragons by Sport Wales earlier this year, so that more volunteers could complete the Football Association of Wales courses required to become coaches, helping the club expand. 

Visiting VGA, on Croespenmaen Industrial Estate, Price learned about how the gymnastics club’s volunteers have been teaming up with national sports development charity StreetGames – to run the ‘Us Girls’ programme.

The scheme aims to increase physical activity among young women and girls aged between 13 and 19.

Lauren said: “I love how StreetGames are making it easier for more girls to take part in sport and are also giving them a voice. 

“It’s really important for girls to get out of the house, be active and socialise with others.

“For me personally, when I got involved in sport as a kid my confidence grew. My schoolwork also improved. You make friends and come out of your comfort zone.”

She added: “You never know what sports you’re going to enjoy at different points of your life, so it’s best to have a go at different ones and keep your options open. My football background has definitely helped my boxing.

“Find a sport you enjoy. Sport is the best thing in the world to get involved in.”

Price’s visits coincide with the 30th anniversary of the National Lottery.

Speaking about what its funding meant for her, Price said: “Thanks to the National Lottery, I was on a monthly wage so I could put everything into training three times a day and resting on weekends. ‘Early nights win fights’ became my motto.”