It’s incredible to think that we’re only a few weeks from ending our seventh school year at Tonypandy Community College! In that time the school and the vision have been brilliantly served by the likes of Christiaan, Kate, Ugo, Elroy, Ricardo and of course, the present duo of Becky and Chris.

Now, here’s a photo with the power to set off a maelstrom of heartfelt emotion!

16 year-old Ashley, left, a student at Ferndale Community School, is father of the baby he’s holding!

Teenage pregnancy in Rhondda is a huge problem and  nowhere does the maxim “every choice has a consequence” have greater potency or more lasting effect. 

We all know how important an attitude of gratitude is and that heartfelt thankfulness and appreciation are marks of true character.
Though our wonderful Marvels are regularly thanked and appreciated during private meetings, Pastor John thought he’d dedicate a Sunday service at the Gatehouse Church to honour the Marvels publicly.

The three guys, above - Ricardo, Grant & Angelo - have much in common. They’re all South Africans, all from Cape Town, all the same colour! And they’re all outstanding Marvels: brilliant role models for the young people of the Rhondda Valleys, many of whom are desperately needy for positive influence in their lives. But the trio also share the fact that they’re stuck in South Africa, keen as mustard to return to Rhondda!! Like them, and the schools they serve, we share their enthusiasm for a speedy return!

February & March is the time of year where we appraise our partnership and interaction with our comprehensive school partners.

First to send in the appraisal forms this year was Ferndale Community School and new headteacher, John Williams.

On April 12th, Angelo Coetzee flies back to South Africa with everyone - Sporting Marvels, schools, pupils, himself - all hoping his stay in the southern hemisphere will be a short one.

 He’s incredibly highly thought of.

 Mark Rees, headteacher at YGG Llwyncelyn told us: “Angelo has the ability to influence the moral and spiritual outlook of the children in his care and has a positive effect on our school environment. His lessons were noted by a recent inspection team as outstanding”.

‘Strictly Come Dancing’ ‘Dancing on Ice’ and ‘Pine-apple Dance Studio’ are three dance related TV programmes that have helped stimulate an explosion of interest in dance.  

Sporting Marvels prides itself on being relevant to the kids so when the team was thinking through the theme for an Easter holidays event, the decision was made to host our very own ‘Just Dance!’

February & March is the time of year where we appraise our partnership and interaction with our comprehensive school partners. 

First to send in the appraisal forms this year was Ferndale Community School and new headteacher, John Williams.

“Ugo and Steph are excellent role models”, he said. “Their attitude is first class as is their reliability, willingness and general helpfulness.They make a major contribution to the positive ethos of the school. Both have excellent people skills and their ability to see the good in everyone has a huge impact on our pupils who all hold them in the highest possible regard.”

The three guys, right, have much in common. They’re all South Africans, all from Cape Town, all the same colour! And they’re all outstanding Marvels: brilliant role models for the young people of the Rhondda Valleys, many of whom are desperately needy for positive influence in their lives.

Ricardo and Grant departed in December, Angelo leaves 12th April. All three are mad keen to return. Ricardo is first in line. He has the necessary Sponsor Certificate which should make getting a visa a relatively simple process. Experience suggests however, we take nothing for granted! So please pray against any obstacles and that he will get his visa and return within the next month or so. 

Two pictures with a story to tell!!

Above, you have Becky delivering an RE lesson to a Year 10 class (14 & 15 year-olds) at Tonypandy Community College, and below, Lawrie teaching a Mighty Marvels class at Pontygwaith Junior School (ages 10 & 11).

So trusted are the Marvels that these lessons are part of the school’s mainstream curriculum!