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When tragedy and destruction struck Blackwood RFC, it turned to the community for help.
Since then, the club has transformed itself into a modern venue that has raised thousands of pounds in aid of multiple good causes.
The club, run completely by volunteers, has had to deal with more than just Covid these past few years. When Storm Dennis hit in early 2020, the pitch and clubhouse were left in a bad way.
Thanks to some government grants and, more significantly, the community around them, Blackwood RFC is now back on its feet and fulfilling its community role.
Ten years ago, a former player named Jack Thomas, sadly passed away at the age of 15 due to a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD).
A CHD is present from birth and affects around 1 in 100 babies born in the United Kingdom.
Since then, the club has worked with both Jack’s mum, June, and national charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) to try and prevent anything like this happening again.
Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, operations manager at the club, Simon Nye, said how the money raised has potentially saved the lives of players at Blackwood RFC.
“For the past nine seasons we’ve charged people £2 on the door to come watch us play a charity match which allows us to carry out heart screening.
“When our players turn 14 they are screened using the money raised at the club. In the past two years we’ve found two players with heart defects that have since been resolved.
“Both of my daughters have been screened, it’s an amazing thing.”
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The club has also worked alongside Dreams and Wishes for the past three years, a charity that brings some relief and joy to seriously ill children.
This was after Daisy Wyatt, a pupil of Islwyn High, sadly passed away due to childhood leukaemia.
“A lot of our players went to school with Daisy so it was important for them and us to remember her,” said Simon.
“The club provides free Christmas fairs and discos for anyone that wants to come along, as well as having a ‘daisy’ logo on the players shirts.”
More recently, Blackwood has teamed up with charity Papyrus to hold an annual match in the name of young people’s mental health, after a youth team player took their own life two years ago. This will take place on Saturday June 25.
The club has gone further to reduce the risk of mental health problems by employing a healthcare chaplain. They offer support to anyone struggling, listening to their concerns and providing advice on a range of issues.
“I believe we’re the only club in the area to have a chaplain”, said Simon, “our women’s team particularly said it’s been a big help.”
Finally, Blackwood RFC raised £800 for the Breast Care Unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr as they took part in ‘Paint the Town Pink’ at the club and will do so again on October 29.
Simon concluded by adding: “Despite all the pain the club has experienced over the years, I believe it has brought us all closer as a community.”
You can visit Blackwood RFC’s social media sites to keep up-to-date with their work and any upcoming events.
Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters
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Become a member today