Alaw Rees, Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050
I know how it feels. Growing up in rural Wales, it’s easy to think that you have to leave to “make your mark”. Cities like Cardiff, London and beyond seem bigger, brighter and better. It can feel like there’s no social life here, no career paths, and not much for young people to do. I thought the same once. But what if I told you that staying in your local area doesn’t mean missing out – it means building something amazing where you are now?
By working on the Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 project, I’ve seen what happens when we start investing in our communities. Take the rugby clubs in Ceredigion, for example. They’ve always been a big part of local life, but they’re now becoming so much more – hosting live Welsh music, comedy nights, stargazing nights, and real events that bring people together.
A friend of mine, Mared Jones, who moved back to Aberaeron after studying in Cardiff, sums this up perfectly:
“I always thought I’d have to move away to have any kind of social life or career, but these events have shown me that there’s so much going on here. It’s great to see the club full of people my age, and it’s made me want to stay and be a part of it.”
And that’s the point – things happen here. It’s about changing the way you see your local area. Staying local doesn’t mean just settling down and doing nothing; it means being a part of something bigger: keeping the Welsh language alive, building a career and connections for yourself, supporting your community, and still having fun with your friends.
You don’t have to leave to find what you’re looking for. If you think nothing is happening, get involved – organise an event, start a club, or go to something that’s already happening. The opportunities are here, and so is the life you want.
This is what’s planned at Ceredigion Rugby Clubs over the next few weeks with the support of the Llwyddo’n Lleol 2050 project which is part of the ARFOR Programme. See you there?
• Lampeter Rugby Club (26/12): Derby Day against Llanybydder, with live music by Llew Davies.
• Cardigan Rugby Club (26/12): Junior games and live music with Jonathan White to raise money for the club’s youth section.
• Lampeter Rugby Club (28/12): Derby Day against Aberystwyth, and then Newshan performing live in the evening.
• Llanybydder Rugby Club (4/1): A fundraising night with Baldande, Disgo Elfyn, comedy sketches by the players, and an auction.
• Aberaeron Rugby Club (11/1): An evening of Welsh comedy and entertainment.
• Tregaron Rugby Club (16/1): An evening of stargazing and astrophotography.
• Aberaeron Rugby Club (18/1): An evening of Welsh entertainment with Llew Davies.
• Tregaron Rugby Club (31/1): Welsh language panel discussion celebrating the club’s 50th anniversary, with the founders themselves and players from the first season.