The new district side was officially launched in September following months of planning and discussions with the Welsh Schools Rugby Union, ending a period in which North Powys was the only schools district in Wales without a representative rugby team.

The initiative brings together young players from Llanidloes, Welshpool, Newtown, Machynlleth and COBRA rugby clubs, with more than 40 attending the opening training sessions.

Following open sessions and a selection tournament, a district squad was formed before North Powys hosted Eryri at Welshpool RFC for its historic first fixture.

Action from North Powys U11s first ever match. (Image: Gary Williams.)

Despite having completed only four training sessions together, North Powys overcame early pressure from the visitors and combined a strong defensive display with a number of team and individual tries to claim a 30-10 victory.

Coach Jordan Davies said: “The result was fantastic, but this project has always been about much more than winning rugby matches.

North Powys U11s line up ahead of their debut match. (Image: Gary Williams.)

“For too long, young players in North Powys haven't had the opportunity to represent their district in the way that children across the rest of Wales have.

“We wanted to change that and create something that the players, parents, clubs and wider community could all be proud of.

“The response has been brilliant. We’ve had tremendous support from the local clubs, parents and volunteers, and the attitude of the players has been outstanding.

“What has impressed us most is how quickly the children have come together. They arrived from different clubs, many not knowing each other, and already they’re developing into a proper team.

Action from North Powys U11s first ever match. (Image: Gary Williams.)

“They’ve bought into the standards we’re trying to create, they’re extremely coachable, and they’re beginning to take ownership of what it means to represent North Powys.

“This is only the beginning, and we’re excited about what we can build for future generations.”

North Powys has also received support from South Powys Schools District Rugby, with plans to develop further fixtures and opportunities for youngsters across the region.

The immediate priority is establishing a sustainable under-11s programme, while the longer-term ambition is for North Powys to compete in the DC Thomas Cup, Wales’ national schools district rugby competition, from the 2027-28 season.

Organisers hope the project will establish a lasting pathway for young rugby players across North Powys rather than concentrating solely on the current squad.