From a pre-First World War high of nearly 200,000 the population has fallen to 84,000. 

Though the area is experiencing considerable regeneration, the 2001 census concluded that Rhondda is amongst the poorest parts of the UK. It is unarguable that Rhondda faces many challenges and nowhere is this more apparent than with the youth sector.

A poverty mind-set, ill-health and the benefits culture affect all age groups. Negative self-esteem issues, lack of ambition and aspiration, poor values etc. beset our young people and often manifest in the worst of social evils - drugs and alcohol abuse, criminality, especially car crime, teenage pregnancy, suicide; all fuelled by an endemic sense of hopelessness.

But things are changing and Sporting Marvels is contributing to this change. From small beginnings in 2003, Sporting Marvels has raised up an army of strategically placed, positive Christian role models who are both challenging and changing the way Rhondda’s young people think.