VALE of Glamorgan Youth Service, overseen by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, has been working in partnership with Barry Rugby Club and local artists, Hurts so Good, to create a mural at Barry RFC's clubhouse.

The club unveiled the new mural last Saturday, 9 March, which was designed by Hurts So Good, Youth Club members, and the local community.

Among those who attended the unveiling ceremony was WRU Chief Executive Abi Tierney, who has a strong family connection to the local area as her father, Peter O'Sullivan, played for the Bombers, Dinas Powys and Glamorgan Wanderers.

The new Chief Executive, and the first female to hold the post, spoke of the importance of community rugby as the sport plays such as important role in the history and heritage of Wales.

Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cllr Lis Burnett, Deputy Leader, Cllr Bronwen Brooks, and Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Cllr Julie Aviet, were also in attendance as avid supporters of the club.

Cllr Lis Burnett said: "It was such a privilege to be invited along to Saturday's event after closely following the role that the club has played supporting the local community and particularly local young people over the years.

Abi Tierney unveiling the mural at Barry RFC

"It was a pleasure to meet Abi and learn more about her commitment to support grassroots rugby clubs like Barry RFC.

"Saturday was not only a showcase of the incredible work the Youth Service and Barry Rugby Club do to engage our young people, but how they nurture young talented players who can achieve international rugby success.

"Both the Club and our Youth Group hope that the mural can inspire not only young boys, but young girls to pursue their passion for the sport."

The design features current Welsh international players, Mason Grady – who is currently playing for Wales in the Six Nations – and Niamh Padmore, who became the first female from Barry to play for a Welsh national side as she made her debut last year for the U18 Ladies Team, both of whom have played for Barry Rugby Club in their youth.

Local rugby legend Geoff Beckingham is also featured in the mural, who earned 3 caps for the Welsh rugby team in the 50s.

Partnership work between the Youth Service and Barry Rugby Club began two years ago with an initial £5000 start-up grant towards resources, which enabled the community and club to establish their own youth provision group.

Further funding was acquired through Sport Wales & Youth Service towards Boys' and Girls' Club of Wales, which funds the position of a Youth Worker to deliver weekly club meetings and skill-building for volunteers.

Following this work, Hurts So Good approached the Youth Service to present the opportunity of creating a mural celebrating the club's success and to inspire up and coming players.

With grant funding from the Vale Youth Service and UPVC Spraying of Wales, artists Kyle Hill and Ceri Stokes carried out the work.

The Vale Youth Service is committed to a number of youth groups and projects throughout the Vale on a weekly basis. You can find out more about their work on our website and social media channels.