Lockdown Blog – Ryan Jones

There is no question that Covid-19 represents an unprecedented challenge to sport and sport providers at every level. My role leading a sports initiative delivered across Wales’ former mining communities has changed beyond recognition.

Our informal sport sessions including football for local teenagers on the 3G pitch at Sardis Road stopped and our planned showcase festivals were pushed back twelve months.

Like many I’ve had to juggle work commitments from home with family life that includes home schooling and discovering hidden gems on our daily walks.  We’ve all missed the Sardis Road experience. The pre match anticipation, post-match debrief over a few beers, the not to be Scottish trips and what would have been end of season games under blazing blue skies.

I’m very fortunate that even in dealing with on-field sport I still get to talk to sports clubs and amazing resilient grassroots volunteers every day. Increasingly that’s supporting to clubs to complete  asset transfer of pitches and pavilions from local authority control.

This lockdown period coincided with our administration of the new Pontypridd and Cynon Valley Flood Recovery Fund.  Storm Dennis continues to impact the lives of hundreds of local families. People still reside in temporary accommodation and still lack basic household appliances – its simply heart-breaking.

As we start finally to emerge from the current lockdown, when rugby returns – and it will – my belief is that clubs like Pontypridd can and should be part of the solution to bringing us back together. Yes, playing and spectating at Sardis Road may need to be reformulated to enable a safe return but our commitment to the Ponty cause will not be diluted.

Ryan Jones

Game On Wales Development Manager