SHAH ALAM - In fostering community involvement in sports, various methods are used to attract participation, especially among children.
The establishment of sports clubs is seen as capable of significantly impacting the physical and spiritual well-being of a multiracial society.
In line with this effort, the Elmina Bronco Rugby Club, which was established a year ago, has successfully attracted community participation in the Elmina, Bukit Jelutong and Denai Alam areas.
Its deputy president Eznan Fahim Mohamed Fahim, said that for a start, the club has successfully formed an under-11 team to participate in league matches.
He said participation is currently open to those living in the neighbourhood, covering children aged 6 to 12, which initially started from Rugby For Kids (RFK).
"Elmina Bronco has been registered as an organisation and is now focusing primarily on competing in league matches involving six teams," he told Sinar.
He said that although the club had to face opponents with much more experience, they were proud because the team had already shown maturity, having been trained by experienced individuals.
Meanwhile, its head coach Mohd Amie Rashidi said that the club conducted training three times a week.
"Two days of physical training take place at the gymnasium, while team training is held every Saturday," he said.
He added that the club's training syllabus followed a training module recognised by World Rugby.
"We want a team that is truly prepared because rugby is a game that builds both the mental and physical strength of the players," he said.
Most recently, the club received sponsorship from Mahsuri Dagang Sdn Bhd.
Mahsuri Dagang Sdn Bhd commercial chief Mohd Jazri Ikmal Hijaz said that they were sponsoring the club financially.
"Mahsuri is now focusing on sports and recreational activities and is currently a partner and sponsor of the Elmina Bronco Rugby Club," he said.