WELSH Language Society Cymdeithas yr Iaith has launched a new campaign to encourage people to make Welsh the natural language of sport and leisure in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

The campaign was launched at Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club, which is being held up as a great example of a popular club rooted in the local community and which sets a fine example of naturally using Welsh in its activities while being inclusive of everyone.

Bethan Williams, from Cymdeithas yr Iaith, said: “We do not want to see the Welsh language just used in education – it’s an everyday language to be used in sports and leisure activities.

“Movements such as the Urdd, Mentrau Iaith and YFC’s organise many leisure activities specifically in Welsh.

“The aim of this campaign is to persuade mainstream community clubs to embrace Welsh as their main medium of activity so that young people don’t start associating Welsh with school only but also with everything which they really enjoy in life as well.

“There are many sports facilities here in Dyffryn Teifi which make full use of the Welsh language as their natural medium, including football, hockey and cricket clubs and especially Calon Tysul, the Llandysul leisure centre now under community ownership.

“Our call is now for the councils to make Welsh the natural language of all activities.”

Gwion Dafydd, vice-chairman at Newcastle Emlyn Rugby Club, said: “The club is proud to be serving people in a Welsh-speaking area and we use the language completely naturally in our activities.

“At a time when special efforts are being made to promote Welsh in many areas, we recognise that we are lucky we can continue to use Welsh naturally in all sections of the club, from juniors right up to the senior team.

“Speaking Welsh is a natural aspect of everyday life and very much part of the community here. Of course, not everyone is Welsh-speaking but all are welcome at Dol Wiber.”