Rugby coach in Carmarthenshire uses passion for sports to tackle the ‘stigma attached to children in care’

A foster carer from Carmarthenshire, who was inspired by his partner of over 20 years, says the welcoming, family-orientated culture of his rugby club has helped the children in their care thrive.

Keith, who lives in Carmarthenshire and was born in Llanelli, is a rugby coach at Ammanford Rugby Football Club. But sport isn’t his only passion in life…

For 17 years, he and his partner Becky have fostered children in need of care. Together, they have fostered and adopted, while Becky also supports other foster carers in her role as a mentor. Keith has seen first-hand how sport can help children develop confidence, build friendships and feel part of their community.

Fostering has been a series of learning curves for Keith, and one thing he finds particularly rewarding is helping others understand the realities of fostering and challenging some of the stigma that can still be attached to children in care.

Keith said:

Fostering was something I’d never thought about. I got together with my partner Becky, and it was something that she wanted to do.

There used to be a stigma attached to foster kids, that they’re always troublemakers and I kind of paved the way and said, ‘no, it’s not like that’. Every child that comes in is special and they should be treated the same.

I just want people to understand the backbone of fostering and the dedication that it takes because it’s a big part of your life. I mean, it is your life.

All our kids are interested in sports, playing either rugby, football, or both. And they have really been embraced by the club, which helps them thrive and bond with others.

I do get a lot of support from coaches and other parents. Like if one of my young ones need to go home early, someone from the club will step in for me. It’s like one big family here.

If you’ve got time and you want to help other children, do it. Just do it. A lot of children you help them open their wings to do amazing things.”

Carmarthenshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Children and Families, Cllr Jane Tremlett, said:

The support Keith and Becky provide extends far beyond their home. Through fostering and Keith's involvement in local rugby, they are helping children develop confidence, build positive relationships and feel connected to their community. Their story is a wonderful example of how foster carers can help children and young people reach their potential."

As part of an ongoing partnership with Scarlets, Foster Wales Carmarthenshire regularly attends home fixtures at Parc y Scarlets to raise awareness of fostering and provide information to people interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer in Carmarthenshire, visit Foster Wales Carmarthenshire.