Penarth Sport
Get reffing and whistle your way to fitness...
7:00am Thursday 16th February 2012
by TERRY ALLDAY, Secretary, Vale of Glamorgan Referees' Society
TOWARDS the end of 2011, the Welsh Government set out an initiative aimed at improving the health of "middle-aged" men (ie between 45 and 55 years old).
It was called Change4Life Wales and it has tried to encourage participants in biking and walking to improve their fitness levels.
Whilst the initiative is commended in encouraging activity, you look around and there are not many facilities or opportunities for this age group. The majority of sports funding locally is spent on leisure centres and schools – both of which are geared towards youth.
Before I upset anyone, I know these resources are open for everyone – but it has to be said that the vast majority of participants are certainly below the Change4Life Wales target age.
There are not many clubs available for this age group to actively participate in sport. Football and rugby do have "veteran" leagues and matches, but these are limited to only one or two teams at best.
This could be overcome by an improvement of facilities and maybe a review of how "middle-aged" participants can be encouraged to get involved. Facilities in Barry, apart from the schools, are quite poor.
An outdated "all weather" pitch and dilapidated changing facilities are available at the Colcot Sports Centre - quite prehistoric amenities compared with the impressive 3G artificial pitch at Cowbridge Comprehensive.
There are now numerous 5-a-side or 7-a-side venues such as the Gol Centre in Canton, Powerleague in Whitchurch and Futsal in Llanishen, but these are all in Cardiff - and I’m sure they don’t run specific "veterans" leagues (there could be a niche in the market here).
But where are the Vale equivalents either in organisation or facilities? The opportunity to play football once you approach - or actually pass - the half century mark is all but gone.
Thoughts and options?
Well, until the Vale catches up, why not try refereeing football!
We have 2 FAW Licensed Referee Instructors in the Vale who are happy to run courses. And before you say "I’d never put up with all that grief……", speak to the local referees.
"Grief" is rare and courses now include a major part of refereeing – man-management.
The Vale of Glamorgan Referees Society develop and coach their referees – regardless of age or gender – in the art of keeping conflict to a minimum. It is rare these days for our members to discuss any problems in relation to games other than interpretation of the Laws.
So there is, at present, an opportunity for the "middle-aged".
Take up the whistle – and believe me, it is enjoyable, rewarding, keeps you active and the camaraderie is second to none!
* For details on refereeing in the Vale, visit www.footballreferee.org/web/VoGRS/ or email vogrs@hotmail.co.uk
* For more information about Referee courses go to www.footballreferee.org/web/SWFAREFEREES