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A national competition win worth £2,000 will make a ‘big difference’ to a newly-formed youth rugby club.

Abertysswg Falcons are an under-16s team and won the prize, which was available for sports teams across the UK. The club will put the bundle of kit and equipment to good use, according to Rebecca Hughes, a parent of one of the players.

“We were over the moon,” said Rebecca about the win, which was announced on January 1, “we rely on funding massively.

“It’s going to make a big difference.”

The Falcons were set up in spring 2022 after the effects of Covid-19 and a string of clubs folding in the area created a need for a new youth team. 

“[It’s the] first junior team I believe they’ve had in ten years,” said Rebecca of the male-only team which has been an all-around community affair – the team was set up by a parents-led committee.

The competition win means that the Falcons will get off to a flying start in 2023, with the bundle including rugby balls and a new bespoke kit.

According to the organisers behind the giveaway, Heart of Wales 7s, the kit will make a lasting difference. 

“The kit can be passed on,” said Jordan Davies from Heart of Wales 7s, “it’s useful for ten to 12 years.

“It’s nice to have that longevity,” he said, adding that kits, unlike rugby balls, don’t go flat quickly. 

Heart for Wales 7s has run the Christmas giveaway for four years and this competition was close, with more than 3,500 votes cast for more than 60 teams from places such as London and Scotland.

On Abertysswg Falcons winning, Jordan said: “It’s brill,” as this is just the start in terms of a partnership as far as he sees it. 

“There’s a good community feel there,” he said. “They’ve all chipped in.”

The inclusive Christmas competition is a small part of Heart of Wales 7s’ mission, as their main focus is running the largest rugby and music festival in Wales.

The festival, which has been running since 2015, will see around 3,500 attendees and take place in Llanidloes, Mid Wales.

There will be elite men’s rugby, youth and U16s rugby for girls and boys and entertainment, with two festival tents – one tribute act tent and one DJ tent – as well as glamping, camping and a food and drink village. 

The giveaway is good a way to give back, according to Jordan. “Me and my wife are still both teachers,” he said, “it’s giving back a bit.

“That’s why we open up to all teams.”

The Falcons can expect to receive their prizes soon and will start to design their kit with Llaneli-based RCS Teamwear in the coming weeks. 

It’s made for a great start to the year for the Falcons, according to Rebecca.

“The competition has started our new year off with a bang and we look forward to many successful seasons ahead of us,” Rebecca said.

“It’s been a whirlwind of a year setting up and getting the ball rolling with the WRU [Welsh Rugby Union], we’ve overcome many obstacles. 

“We wouldn’t be where we are without the support of our sponsors, committee players parents and loyal supporters.”

Abertysswg Falcons play at Abertysswg RFC, The Green, Abertysswg. Their next game will be away against Garndiffaith on January 7.

The Heart of Wales 7s Festival will take place on June 30 to July 2 in Llanidloes.