News

To all the players and staff at Cardigan Rugby Club

 

Let me introduce myself. My name is Alan Kent, Associate Priest in the Bro Teifi Ministry Area; I have just been appointed as the Sports Chaplain to support everyone at the Rugby Club.

As the club’s Chaplain I will be there for you to talk with me privately and offload any issues that may be of concern to you, both on field or off-the-field matters. It’s my privilege to have been appointed to this role through Sports Chaplaincy UK, a UK registered Charity which specialises in the provision of Sports Chaplaincy having around 600 Sports Chaplains across the UK and about 75 roles here in Wales. 

Sports organisations are increasingly realising that players are whole human beings. The conditions of other areas of a sportsman’s life, including unplanned circumstances off the field, can and do affect their performance on the pitch. Through a Sports Chaplain Cardigan Rugby Club wants to ensure that wellbeing / pastoral care and support is made available.

For this to happen a relationship of trust needs to be established. Although many will have got to know me through the last 9 years or so through the club choir, and various church services I have taken such as, baptisms, weddings, funerals etc., I aim to be around supporting the Club as often as I’m able. As Chaplain I have been invited in by the Club but I am not employed by it and remain independent. Therefore I can assure you (and your families) of a strict code of confidentiality. What you choose to say to me will stay with me. 

On a personal note I have been married to Wendy for 34 years, have two sons and a daughter, all now grownup. I also have 5 grandchildren. I was ordained in St David’s cathedral in 2014, I even held my ordination party in the upstairs bar.

I am not sure what your reaction will be to having a local priest being connected to a rugby set-up but I hope that you will find the role of Chaplain worthwhile and supportive and give the idea a go. I am here for those of any faith and those of no faith.

I look forward to getting to know you.

Alan

Rev. Alan G. Kent MTh.

Tel -01239 613907

Mob – 07766702958

Email - albewaiting@gmail.com