Sport

Dr Thomas appointed Chair of Sport Wales

Published

10 years ago

April 14, 2016

Deputy Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport: With the newly appointed Chair of Sport Wales, Dr Paul Thomas.

DR PAUL THOMAS has been appointed as the new Chair of Sport Wales, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates has announced.

Having spent more than 30 years working across a range of community development, strategic leadership and sport inclusion roles, often in socially disadvantaged areas, Dr Thomas brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to this important role.

As well as leading on major projects for UK Sport and Sport England, his recent achievements include setting up a community fitness gym in Ebbw Vale to offer local people an opportunity to improve their physical fitness and wellbeing and, in 2015; he was shortlisted for Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘Most Influential Leader’ of the year award.

Building on the excellent work of Professor Laura McAllister, the new Chair, Dr Paul Thomas, will be responsible for leading Sport Wales into an exciting period for Welsh Sport. One of his key priorities will be to drive and facilitate a new approach to community sport that creates a clear line of sight between Welsh Government goals and investment decisions and the needs and challenges of clubs, communities, coaches, athletes and volunteers.

Dr Thomas will be expected to galvanise the sport sector in Wales to deliver against the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and to do that by maximising the collective effort and investment of Sport Wales and their partners in National Governing Bodies, Local Authorities and the Third and private sectors.

The Deputy Minister said: “The calibre of talent applying for this role was very high but I am delighted to announce Dr Paul Thomas will be the new Chair of Sport Wales. His vision, passion and commitment, along with his knowledge and experience in leadership and management made him the right person for this important role.

“We want to break down the barriers to participation in sport and physical activity and create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to become hooked on sport for life. I am confident Paul’s qualities, experience and commitment will help the Welsh Government deliver a more physically active and successful sporting nation.”

Dr Paul Thomas said: “Having grown up in the South Wales valleys and played sport most of my life I am certain of the benefits sport and physical activity can have on people’s health and wellbeing. Sport has provided me with great opportunities and skills so to be appointed to this role by the Deputy Minister is a privilege.

“I particularly look forward to meeting all those involved in grassroots sport and to help in some way to create a new future for the generations of communities throughout Wales; making us even stronger, more active and resilient.

“I am also looking forward to working with the Board and everyone involved at Sport Wales to help it deliver the vision of ‘Uniting a Proud Sporting Nation’ but one in which everyone in Wales is active, fit and enjoying life through the benefits of sport.

“Over the past decade I have worked in regions all over the world, making a difference to the health and wellbeing of people, leaders and organisations. It’s such a privilege to be able to use that experience to play a part in the future of Welsh sport.”

Dr Paul Thomas’ term of appointment will begin in April, for a period of three years, until 31 March 2019. He succeeds Professor Laura McAllister who has served as the Chair of Sport Wales for six years.

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

12 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls have praised their under-13s after another strong showing at the third and final FAW Festival of the season.

The young Bluebirds travelled to Colliers Park in Wrexham on Saturday (Apr 4), where they once again impressed with their performances.

Club officials said the girls had performed fantastically well throughout the season, adding that everyone at Haverfordwest County was incredibly proud of their efforts.

The squad for the day was Libby O, Ela I, Ines M, Mila E, Scarlett C, Rachel B, Lydia H, Lilly M, Zara E, Leila P and Lillie EJ.

Well done girls.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Friendly League week 22 results

Published

13 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

RESULTS from week 22 of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League have been confirmed, with Badgers recording a comprehensive 10-0 win over Lamphey and St Twynnells edging past Cosheston 6-4.

An earlier fixture also saw Cosheston claim a 10-0 victory over Reynalton.

Several matches were postponed during the week, including Kilgetty v Carew, Llanteg v St Twynnells and Hundleton v East Williamston.

St Johns had the bye.

Latest results:
Cosheston 4 St Twynnells 6
Badgers 10 Lamphey 0
Cosheston 10 Reynalton 0

League table after week 22:
East Williamston — Played 19, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 6, Shot difference 169, Points 126
St Johns — Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot difference 132, Points 118
Reynalton — Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference 24, Points 99
St Twynnells — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Shot difference 9, Points 99
Carew — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot difference -12, Points 98
Hundleton — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Shot difference -7, Points 97
Llanteg — Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot difference -16, Points 95
Badgers — Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -104, Points 89
Cosheston — Played 19, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference -39, Points 88
Lamphey — Played 20, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 11, Shot difference -71, Points 80
Kilgetty — Played 19, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -85, Points 73

League officials have reminded clubs that all outstanding matches must be completed by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Sport

Amman United Youth suffer agonising semi-final defeat

Published

13 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Cup final dream slips away as Newcastle Emlyn battle back to seal 20-19 win in windy Carmarthenshire Cup clash

AMMAN UNITED YOUTH saw their Carmarthenshire Cup final hopes ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday (Apr 4) as Newcastle Emlyn snatched a 20-19 victory in a dramatic semi-final.

Played in difficult, windy conditions, the contest was fiercely competitive throughout, with Amman left to rue a series of handling errors that allowed the visitors back into the game.

Newcastle Emlyn made the stronger start, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty and then missing a chance to add to their tally.

Amman responded well and took control of the first half. Captain Ceian Lewis crossed following a well-worked catch-and-drive to put his side 5-3 in front. Toby Slater then produced an excellent touchline conversion in tough conditions to extend the lead to 7-3.

Amman continued to build momentum when Harvey Duncan made a sharp break down the wing to score their second try. Slater was again on target with an impressive conversion in the wind, giving his side a 14-3 lead at the break.

But the game turned soon after the restart. A costly Amman mistake allowed Newcastle Emlyn back into the contest, with the visitors scoring in the corner before adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

Amman appeared to have steadied themselves when Kelston Fairhurst powered over from another catch-and-drive, stretching the lead to 19-10.

However, Newcastle Emlyn refused to give in. Strong forward play brought them another try, and the conversion cut the deficit to just two points at 19-17 as the pressure mounted in the closing stages.

The decisive moment came in the final five minutes when another Amman handling error handed Emlyn a crucial opportunity. The visitors worked their way into range and slotted a late penalty to edge ahead 20-19.

Amman had one final chance to rescue the game and opted for a catch-and-drive from a late penalty, having already found success with that tactic earlier in the match. This time, though, Newcastle Emlyn held firm to deny them and secure their place in the final.

It was a bitter end for Amman United Youth, who had looked in control at half-time, but Newcastle Emlyn showed resilience and composure when it mattered most.