Meet the inspiring young people breaking down barriers in Welsh sport

14/05/2025

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Meet the inspiring young people breaking down barriers in Welsh sport

Across Wales, a new generation of sporting leaders are ‘changing the game’ and making a real difference in their communities.

Thanks to National Lottery players, Rhodd Alaw-Parry and Rhys Blacker are among the many young people across Welsh sport who are passionate about improving lives.

These inspiring young leaders first made an impact in sport as volunteers with the Urdd. But now, they are making sports fun and accessible for everyone in their jobs.

Here’s how they’re using sport to change lives:

Future Game Changers

Future Game Changers is a National Lottery campaign celebrating young adults, aged 18-30, like Rhodd and Rhys, who have the drive and ideas to write the future of their communities.

New National Lottery research shows 74% of young adults want to do more to support their communities.

A recent National Lottery survey found:

92% of young adults want to make more positive change
78% took part in a community project in the last year
82% want better representation in societal initiatives

Sport Wales research, via the Wales Activity Tracker, also reveals a strong appetite for volunteering in sport:

One in three young people in Wales (aged 16–34) are already volunteering in sport and physical activity
More than half say they want to volunteer in sport in the next year

Two of those using sport to make an impact are Rhodd and Rhys.

Rhodd: A passion for women's sport

Growing up, Rhodd saw how sport was often geared more toward boys. But she didn’t let that stop her — and now she’s making sure the next generation of girls feel fully included.

“As a woman myself, I am passionate about sports for women. Supporting women and young girls to take part in sport is something that is very important to me.”

Now, through her work at the Urdd, she inspires young women through new sporting opportunities at female-focused events like #FelMerch.

'''This is a project that we run alongside Sport Wales to ensure that girls have a safe and comfortable environment to participate in sport, in a competitive or a social setting.''

I’m really enthusiastic about giving them these opportunities, which is why I’m so appreciative of the Lottery’s support to enable me to do this job on a daily basis. I get to see the development of girls, it’s absolutely fantastic.

Rhodd Alaw-Parry

Rhys: Breaking down barriers for disadvantaged families

Rhys recognises how fortunate he was to experience sport growing up. Many children from similar communities miss out - which is why he has made it his goal to make sport accessible for them.

“It does mean a lot to me to be able to provide opportunities for people from different backgrounds and abilities. I’m extremely passionate about breaking as many barriers as physically possible.”

Volunteering with the Urdd led Rhys to securing a role at their outdoor activity centre in Glan-llyn. Today, Rhys is back home in the heart of his community, creating safe, inclusive environments where children can be active and have fun.

Thanks to the National Lottery, we’re able to provide sessions and break down barriers for disadvantaged families and young people. And without that support, none of this would be possible.

Rhys Blacker

Why volunteer?

Both Rhodd and Rhys began as volunteers with the Urdd. Now, they’re shaping the future of sport in Wales as full-time leaders with the organisation. Volunteering gave them real experience, new skills and built their confidence

Benefits of volunteering in sport include:

Improving your self-esteem and building confidence
Developing new skills
Work experience opportunities
A pathway into paid careers in sport
A sense of purpose and community
Giving young people a voice
Making sport fun and inclusive for others

How you can make a difference

Every week, players of the National Lottery raise over £30million for good causes, including the work of the Urdd and the roles of young leaders like Rhodd and Rhys.

Want to make a difference where you live? Get involved with your local club or organisation, whether that’s coaching or just helping out. Or maybe you'd like to work in Welsh sport?

Who knows? You could be the next Game Changer.

Volunteer with the Urdd
I want to volunteer - WCVA
Volunteering Wales
Work in Welsh sport

Welsh Sport and The National Lottery

Celebrating the National Lottery’s 30th birthday and the game changing impact that its funding has had on Welsh sport since 1994.