DCF ROCKS THE VALLEYS

Posted on 17 October 2012

The Cardiff Devils DCF Schools Programme took several of the Cardiff Devils players to Bargoed in the Welsh Valleys last week to visit Pengam Lewis Boys School.

English teacher and Devils supporter, Lauren Thorne, welcomed Mac Faulkner, Tyson Marsh and DCF manager Brent Pope into her class for a session designed to remind the year 7/8/9 boys about the importance of reading, focussing on their education and staying in school.

The students read a number of passages from the Cardiff Devils' Match Night programme and Devin Didiomete's blog commenting on the exceptional start to the season that Mac 'The Snipe' Faulkner has been enjoying. The Toronto native has already hit back to back hat trick performances to start his Devils career, and is currently leading the Elite League in goals scored.

The humble Faulkner encouraged pupils, saying, “Sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don't, but it is always important to value the role education plays in our lives. It keeps us balanced.”

Faulkner is currently studying his MBA at Cardiff University Business School alongside Devils' winger Chris Blight.

Marsh, equally as comfortable and keen to make a difference in South Wales, took to the head of the class and explained some of the subtleties of the sport of ice hockey. Marsh and the pupils also enjoyed a wider discussion about Welsh football, rugby and everyday life.

Teacher, Ms Thorne, said, “The visit went down an absolute storm. All of the boys loved it and as a school we were really impressed. It has helped to highlight the importance of literacy and reading to our pupils, and introduced them to positive role models who they really identified with. They have realised that even high profile sports personalities have faced the same challenges as them, and it’s sparked greater interest in both the sport and reading.”

Brent Pope commented, “I have been very impressed with Tyson and Mac on and off the ice so far. They have been consistently impressive in every match for the Cardiff Devils, and they continue to show their quality in the community as well. They are what I like to call "two-way" hockey players, willing to give that bit extra in everything they do. They are making a difference for the Cardiff Devils and are the kind of players and people you build your team around.

If your school can benefit from an insight into the power of professional sport, and experience the positive impact that the Cardiff Devils can bring to your community, please get in touch.

To find out more about the Devils' Community Foundation School Engagement Programme contact Brent Pope at brent@cardiffdevils.com or 02920 444050.