By Simon Thomas
A new training facility has been hailed as a “game changer” by the Welsh grass roots rugby club which has benefited from the project.
Kenfig Hill RFC, in the Ospreys region, was selected from more than 30 entries as winners of the BKT Power Zone competition.
The end result has been the creation of an all-weather, multi-purpose training, fitness and conditioning area, with the project being funded by Indian tire manufacturers BKT, the title sponsors of the United Rugby Championship.
It was unveiled at a ceremony attended by representatives from URC, BKT and Havas Play – who have worked collaboratively on the project – along with officials from the Welsh Championship club.
Join @TheRugbyTrainer with @KenfighillRFC and @BKTtires to celebrate the opening of Kenfig Hill RFC’s very own BKT Power Zone. ️
Earlier this year at Judgement Day, Kenfig Hill RFC were awarded the space for their outstanding work within their own community.
Hear about what… pic.twitter.com/9ydZsmH1uE
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) December 4, 2024
The club’s long-serving chairman Howard Phillips echoed these views.
“It’s wonderful. Rugby is a winter game, so you need somewhere to train and this all-weather facility is very welcome,” he said.
“It’s great to see grass roots rugby being supported in this way.
“Where do internationals come from? They come from clubs like this. The grass roots game is essential. This is where it all begins, so it’s fantastic to see it being backed by a project like this.
“This new facility will be a huge asset for all the teams we run here at the club and all of our players.”
Speaking at the unveiling, URC chief executive Martin Anayi said: “The idea behind the project was to provide a club and the wider community with a much-needed resource.
“We asked for applications from clubs that really needed a helping hand to create something for the community and Kenfig won the day.
“Rugby is about heartland communities. Nothing says that more than where we are here in Wales.
“It can be very wet down here. The club runs a number of teams, so they needed this facility. It will be a real point of difference, enabling them to train in any weather.
“It’s been great to see so many youngsters enjoying making use of it and having fun out there.
“This project shows the commitment we as a league, alongside our clubs like Ospreys and our partners BKT, have to supporting the game at grassroots level and leaving a meaningful legacy.”
Here’s the moment @TheRugbyTrainer surprised @KenfigHillRFC with the news they had won a BKT Power Zone
The #BKTPowerZone is a multi-purpose fitness area, created bespoke for both the rugby club & the wider community to enjoy! ️
#BKTURC pic.twitter.com/8MVrN7674K— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) November 27, 2024
Founded in 1897, Kenfig Hill RFC – nicknamed The Mules – has seen a number of its former players go on to represent Wales, including Alan Phillips, Dafydd James, Jonathan Humphreys, Jack Bassett and Ray Giles.
Today, the club – which is situated some six miles from Bridgend – runs two men’s senior teams, a women’s senior side and has some 250 mini and junior players across 10 teams, plus a youth side.
