Sport
Football in Wales: From grassroots to professional
When people think of Wales and sports, they immediately think of rugby. However, football also holds a special place in the hearts of Welsh fans, with a rich history and deep-rooted passion that runs parallel to its more hands-on counterpart. From local grassroots clubs to professional players on the global stage, football is woven into the fabric of Welsh culture.
Grassroots football in Wales
Grassroots football forms the foundation of Welsh football, offering young talent vital opportunities to develop. Local clubs and leagues across the country play a key role, while the FAW Trust supports initiatives like coach development and youth programmes.
Key areas for producing top footballers include North Wales, where clubs like Wrexham AFC play a role in development. In South Wales, clubs like Cardiff City and Swansea City invest in academies, consistently nurturing players who excel domestically and internationally.
The Cymru Premier plays a crucial role in developing local talent, offering players a platform to hone their skills before advancing to higher levels. The New Saints FC, one of the league’s most successful clubs, consistently invests in youth talent and nurtures future professionals.
Welsh players in the Premier League and Championship
In recent years, Welsh footballers have made waves in the Premier League and Championship, competing at the highest levels of English football.
Brennan Johnson, now at Tottenham Hotspur, is one of Wales’ top rising talents. His standout performances at Nottingham Forest showcased his versatility and goal-scoring ability, making him crucial for both club and country.
At Nottingham Forest, Neco Williams continues to make a strong impact, contributing both defensively and offensively from the right-back position.
In the Championship, Aaron Ramsey has returned to Cardiff City, bringing leadership and experience to his boyhood club. Meanwhile, Daniel James, on loan at Leeds United, remains a key player, using his pace to stretch defences.
Ben Cabango has developed into a dependable defender for Swansea City, and Harry Wilson continues to impress at Fulham with his creativity and set-piece expertise.
Upcoming fixtures & odds
Fans of Cardiff City and Swansea City are eagerly anticipating the next South Wales derby, one of the most intense fixtures in the Championship. Cardiff’s next home game against Watford presents a chance for them to secure crucial points, with promotion hopes still within reach despite their mid-table position. Swansea, meanwhile, will face Stoke City at home, looking to regain consistency and push for a top-six finish.
In League One, Wrexham AFC continue to impress following their promotion from League Two. Their upcoming games against favourites such as Birmingham and Huddersfield will be pivotal in their quest for promotion yet again, with odds placing them as strong contenders for success this season.
Under the high-profile ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham’s journey remains one of the most exciting stories in the league.
On the international stage, Wales are currently competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with important matches ahead. According to TalkSport Betting, their odds vary depending on the opposition, but there’s optimism around their ability to build on recent strong performances. With key players like Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams in the squad, Wales will be hopeful of securing qualification.
Conclusion
Football in Wales continues to thrive, from grassroots development to professional representation. With Welsh players excelling in both the Premier League and Championship, and teams like Wrexham, Cardiff, and Swansea keeping Welsh football firmly on the map, the future of the sport in Wales is bright.
As domestic and international fixtures unfold, Welsh fans have much to look forward to, both on the local pitches and in the professional arenas.
Sport
Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston
Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6
BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.
The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.
St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.
Team line-ups
Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.
St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.
Sport
Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3
Goodwick United 7-0 Carew
Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.
Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports
Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.
Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United
Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.
Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road
In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.
Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers
Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.
Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins
Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.
Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes
Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.
Analysis:
Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.
Sport
Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory
Broad Haven 4-4 Solva
In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.
Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports
Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.
Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II
Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.
Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II
The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.
Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth
Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.
Analysis:
The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.
-
News4 days ago
Ferry accident causes delay on new Dublin-Fishguard route
-
Education6 days ago
Home Education: Delays and missed opportunities risk further tragedy
-
Business6 days ago
Pembrokeshire care home group hit by £150,000 budget blow
-
News7 days ago
Rift between Neyland councillors now ‘as wide as Grand Canyon’
-
News7 days ago
Labour’s refusal to compensate WASPI women sparks outrage
-
Community6 days ago
Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas
-
Business4 days ago
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
-
Health7 days ago
Hoax calls reach three-year high, says Welsh Ambulance Service