Cop Trumps cards aim to convey messages to local children

Cardiff Blues have teamed up with South Wales Police to help launch a new youth engagement initiative called Cop Trumps.  

The Cop Trump collectors' cards feature Blues players and carry messages about online safety, personal safety, keeping healthy and being a good person. 

The 16st 9lb Jamie Roberts carries a message about swapping crisps and chocolate for fruit and vegetables while Sam Warburton, whose power level is set at 10, looks down from his card to say, “make sure homework is done”.

The idea for the cards came from PCSO Rob Parry who covers the St Mellons area of the city, as a good way to engage primary school pupils about crime prevention issues and encourage them to take part in sport and eating healthy foods.

PCSO Rob Parry said: “The cards will generate a lot of excitement amongst young people and will help increase engagement with the local police."

Cardiff Blues veteran Martyn Williams said: “Here at the Blues we are always looking for new ways to engage our younger fans and are delighted to be working with our local police force on the cops trumps project.

“The project will help build links between young people and the police whilst at the same time providing a great way for fans to show their support for the Blues.”

To kick off the project 500 complete sets have been produced and the idea will be tested in Meadow Lane, Bishops Child and Willow Brook Primary Schools in the St Mellons area of Cardiff. The cards will be issued for good behaviour and for speaking to local police officers.

The player ratings on the cards have generated a lot of competition amongst the Blues players, with all the ratings being compiled by Trystan Bevan, the Cardiff Blues Conditioning Coach.

Updates on the project are posted on the South Wales Police twitter account @swpolice using #swpcoptrumps.