Sport

Pembrokeshire’s Olympic sailing star Micky Beckett

Published

1 month ago

August 1, 2024

Competing in the Men’s Dinghy Event in Marseille

Another Welsh athlete is set to make his Olympic debut on day six of the Paris Games. Sailor Michael Beckett will be competing in the men’s dinghy event in Marseille.

At 29, the West Wales native was previously working as an advisor for TV directors during the Tokyo Olympics. Now, he’s at the centre of the action himself, having won European gold, world silver, and both bronze and silver at the Paris 2024 test event.

Beckett will debut at Marseille Marina on Thursday, participating in two races daily, aiming to make it into the top 10 and advance to next week’s medal races. Following in the footsteps of Welsh sailors Ian Barker and Hannah Mills, as well as sports legend Sir Ben Ainslie, Beckett is poised to add to Team GB’s medal tally.

From West Wales to the South of France, here’s a closer look at the real Micky Beckett.

Born in the small village of Solva, with fewer than 900 residents, in 1995, Beckett was introduced to sailing by his father, Piers, the principal at the local boat club, Solva Sailboats.

First seated in a boat at the age of five, Beckett began competing in races across the UK and joined the Wales and British sailing squads at 12. In his teenage years, he travelled the world for competitions but maintains that there is no place like home.

“Solva is my anchor,” he told the Western Mail in a recent interview. “It’s where I’m from and the place in the world I’m most proud of. I love to come back and chill out with my dad. Growing up in Solva was amazing; it was like one big playground for me, my brother Stevie, and our friends. We used to explore every cave from Newgale to St David’s Head.”

“When I travel around the world, one of the first questions I get asked is where I’m from. It usually takes some explaining and often involves getting out Google Maps. I start by saying West Wales, but they think Cardiff. I end up saying, ‘Go across the Severn Bridge, drive for two and a half hours, and go all the way to the end.’ I tell them we’re closer to Ireland than England, living in Solva.”

His Welsh roots are incredibly important to him: “If I’m in a taxi in Spain and I get asked, I just say I’m from Wales, where Gareth Bale is from. Sometimes that gets you a cheaper fare. I’m very proud of where I’m from and I’m very proud to represent my country and Team GB. I get changed every day with a towel with a Welsh dragon on it, and that goes with me all over the world. It is a very important part of my identity, having grown up in Pembrokeshire.”

As Beckett prepares to make his Olympic debut in the South of France, he reflects on achieving a lifelong dream he once thought unattainable.

“Being a part of the iconic Team GB is amazing. I wouldn’t describe myself as too much of a dreamer, but the Olympics only ever existed for me on TV before this,” he told the Western Mail.

“I didn’t know anyone who had been to the Olympics until I started sailing professionally, and it always felt a long way away. I did an interview on BBC 5 Live after being selected, and they asked me what I thought about the new kit. I’m the least fashion-conscious person around, but that question made me realise that I’m now part of this iconic team. When I think about all the phenomenal athletes who have gone before – Ben Ainslie, Hannah Mills, Sir Steve Redgrave – and then realise I’m now one of the people following in their footsteps, I just don’t have the correct words to explain what that means to me.”

While his father introduced him to sailing, Beckett’s mother, Josie, ignited his ambition, encouraging him to pursue his dream of making it to the Olympics.

Tragically, Josie passed away in July 2022 after battling cancer, but she knew her son was on his way to realising his dream. As Beckett takes to the water in Marseille, he will be reminded of the sacrifices both his parents made to fuel his ambitions. He recently joked that his “mum and dad got great value out of their AA membership from all the miles they had to drive taking me to different events almost every weekend” as a youngster.

Beckett’s fiancée, Ellie Aldridge, is also part of the Team GB line-up in Paris. She won the European kitefoil title last year and secured her third medal at the last World Championships with silver.

Meanwhile, his former school friend Jasmine Joyce-Butchers has been competing in the women’s rugby sevens event. Both athletes attended Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids as children.

Headteacher Rachel Thomas recently expressed the school’s pride in cheering on both former pupils at the Olympics, describing them as “humble and so inspirational.”

“We’re so proud of both Micky and Jazz, as we are of all our pupils in whatever sport they progress in. We’re here to provide them with the opportunity to develop their talent, and it’s great when they go all the way to the top,” said Thomas. “The pupils are studying the Olympics in school at the moment, and they were thrilled when Micky paid us a visit. He simply told them to try to be the best they could be – and to keep on trying. He was such a great all-rounder in school, playing in the orchestra as well as participating in many sports. Both he and Jazz are just so humble and so inspirational. We’ll all be backing them in Pembrokeshire.”

News

Milford Youth Matters proud to sponsor Milford Athletic FC U15’s kit

Published

14 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Herald Sport

MILFORD Youth Matters is proud to announce its sponsorship of Milford Athletic FC U15’s playing kit for the upcoming season. This initiative marks the latest step in a thriving partnership between the youth-focused organisation and the local football club, reflecting their shared commitment to enriching the lives of young people in the community.

Over the past 18 months, Milford Youth Matters and Milford Athletic have been working closely together to deliver a wide range of events and activities aimed at promoting engagement, personal development, and well-being among local youth. This partnership has become an essential part of the community, with both organisations contributing to the opportunities available for young people in Milford and the surrounding areas.

Milford Youth Matters has long been a driving force behind youth empowerment in Milford. The organisation’s mission is to provide comprehensive support for young people through a variety of programmes, ranging from educational assistance to recreational and sporting activities. It aims to create a nurturing environment where young people can develop the confidence, skills, and social connections they need to thrive.

The sponsorship of Milford Athletic FC U15’s playing kit is a significant symbol of Milford Youth Matters’ broader ethos. The organisation believes that its impact should extend beyond its own direct services, reaching out to support other groups within the community as well.

“We’re delighted to be able to sponsor the team’s kit this season,” a spokesperson for Milford Youth Matters commented. “This partnership reflects our commitment to looking beyond inward investment and finding ways to uplift other local groups and initiatives. By working together, we can make a bigger impact and create more opportunities for young people.”

The relationship between Milford Youth Matters and Milford Athletic FC is a prime example of how local organisations can work together to benefit the wider community. Through this partnership, young footballers are not only given the opportunity to play the sport they love, but also to develop important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

At its core, Milford Youth Matters is about building stronger, more resilient communities by investing in young people. The organisation’s ongoing collaboration with Milford Athletic FC is a testament to its belief in the power of sport and community engagement as a means to support personal development.

Beyond the sponsorship of the kit, Milford Youth Matters continues to explore new ways to collaborate with other local groups and organisations. Their work is about more than just providing services; it’s about creating a network of support that benefits everyone involved.

The U15 team’s sponsorship is just one aspect of this. As the season progresses, Milford Athletic FC will undoubtedly feel the backing of a community that is deeply invested in their success, both on and off the field.

News

Haverfordwest County AFC Women and Girls celebrate a successful open day

Published

19 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls marked a milestone last Saturday (Aug 31), with the launch of their Girls Development Centre at a highly successful open day event. The sun shone brightly on a day packed with excitement, camaraderie, and, most importantly, brilliant football.

Girls’ teams from across age groups took to the pitch in friendly matches, delivering standout performances that thrilled spectators throughout the day. Local boys’ teams also participated, adding to the spirit of community and competition. The club expressed their gratitude to the boys’ teams for their sportsmanship and the entertaining football displayed.

A special mention was given to the following clubs for their contribution to the day’s matches:

Camrose Football Club and Prendergast Villa AFC for the Under-10 girls’ games
Clarbeston Road AFC and Narberth AFC for the Under-12 girls’ matches
Johnston FC for the Under-13 fixture
Goodwick United FC for the Under-14/16 matches

Spectators were treated to a fantastic display of football from all the teams involved, with the club praising the impeccable behaviour and sportsmanship of everyone who took part. The atmosphere was electric, and the games were a joy to watch, with supporters commenting on the high standard of play across the board.

The success of the event extended beyond the pitch, thanks to the contributions of local businesses. Pembrokeshire & West Wales Bouncy Castles provided inflatables, keeping the younger attendees entertained, while Pure West Radio’s Darren was on hand to provide music throughout the day. In addition, Princes Gate Water generously donated refreshments to keep all the players hydrated, and face painting, ice cream, and hot food added to the festivities, creating a carnival-like atmosphere.

The club also gave heartfelt thanks to their fundraising team for their hard work in organising the event, collecting raffle prizes, and ensuring the day ran smoothly. A separate post will acknowledge the local businesses that contributed raffle prizes, demonstrating the strong community spirit that underpinned the day.

First-team players Alaric Jones and Zac Jones were in attendance, showing their support for the girls in the morning, while several U13 boys academy players, including Zach, Owain, Bobby, and Iestyn, assisted throughout the day.

Coaches Arron Thomas, Rhys Mansell, Imi Scourfield, Leanne Jones, Martyn Lewis, and Gareth Owens were recognised for their dedication and commitment to developing the girls, with the club commenting on the remarkable progress made in such a short time.

Haverfordwest County AFC Women and Girls are looking forward to an exciting future, with this event marking just the beginning of their journey. A special thanks was extended to all involved, with the club noting that the future looks bright for the development of girls’ football in Pembrokeshire.

Sport

Solva fourth in table after beating Broad Haven 6-2

Published

19 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Herald Sport

SOLVA bounced back from their midweek defeat to beat Broad Haven 6-2 at Maes Y Mor on Saturday (Sep 7).

Skipper Josh Bland scored a brace, his first a sublime left foot volley from outside the box on 25 minutes, to put his side 3-0 ahead.

Man of the match Kieran Price opened the scoring inside the opening 5 minutes with a direct free kick from the arc of the penalty box, veteran forward Matthew Price setting up Lee Dinmore to double the score line ten minutes later.

Broad Haven regrouped from the Solva onslaught and scored two goals in quick succession on the half hour mark, industrious midfielder Sam Barton crisply striking the first after good work by Mathew Grainger and skipper Ashley Bladen drifted seamlessly into the action from the right wing to score the second.

Chris Basset unluckily put the ball into his own net to put the home side 4-2 ahead, after a rebound off goalkeeper James Llewellyn following pinball in the visitors penalty box five minutes before the half time whistle blown by referee Jonathan Twigg.

The second half saw both teams make changes as the game saw end to end action, Llewellyn and his counter part Nick Mendoza-Connell called open as the last line of defence by their respective teams. Bland scored his second after good work from Finn Isles on 75 minutes before Isles put himself on the scoresheet with an assist from veteran substitute Joe Shaw.

The result puts Solva in fourth position in the table, 3 points off the top spot ahead of their trip to Monkton Lane to take on the Swifts reserves next weekend. Broad Haven find themselves rooted in the relegation zone on one point, where they will be looking for a touch of wizardly magic ahead of their visit to the Sports Village to take on Merlins Bridge Reserves.