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 using the power of sport to create lasting change.
These ‘Future Game Changers’ first made an impact in sport as volunteers with the Urdd. But now, these young leaders are making sports fun and accessible for everyone.
Here’s how they’re using sport to change lives:
Future Game Changers
Future Game Changers celebrates young adults, aged 18-30, who have the drive and ideas to write the future of 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.''
