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Football in Wales: From grassroots to professional

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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

Star-studded entry set for Welsh rally return

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A STRONG entry list and a revamped format promise a spectacular return for the Get Jerky Rally North Wales this weekend, as the popular event roars back after a year out.

The Welshpool-based rally, which was cancelled in 2025 due to storm damage, returns on Saturday (Mar 28) with a fresh route and renewed energy.

Organised by Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club, the event will once again be centred around Welshpool Livestock Market, while also reconnecting with the town centre for the first time in recent years.

|Number: 4|Driver: Max McRae|Team: Team MRF Tyres|Car: Skoda Fabia RS Rally2|Keyword: BRC||Photographer: Alex Stefan|Event: Cambrian Rally|Location: Llandudno|Series: British Rally Championship|Season: 2025|Country: UK|Keyword: Rallying|Keyword: Rally|Keyword: Photography|Keyword: Photos|Keyword: Images|Keyword: Motorsport|Keyword: Rally Photography|Keyword: Gravel|Keyword: Conwy|Keyword: Wales|Keyword: October|Keyword: Probite|Keyword: Motorsport UK|Keyword: Lewis & Hunter Contracting Cambrian Rally|

Fans will be able to get close to the action, with a mid-day regroup and end-of-event celebrations taking place in the heart of Welshpool.

Crews will tackle six stages covering 45 competitive miles through the iconic Dyfnant and Aberhirnant forests, delivering a classic Wales Rally GB-style challenge. Both stages will be run twice, ensuring plenty of action throughout the day.

A high-quality modern field includes British Rally Championship event winner Max McRae, alongside co-driver Cammy Fair, as he prepares for the new season.

McRae will be hoping to emulate his father, Alister, who won the event in 1998.

Welsh driver Meirion Evans, with co-driver Dale Furniss, is also expected to challenge for honours on home soil in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, heading a strong Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship presence.

Further competition comes from Protyre BTRDA Rally Series leader Matthew Hirst and co-driver Jack Bown in a Skoda Fabia R5, alongside Alex Vassallo and Chris Lees, Icelandic pairing Daniel Siguroarson and Asta Siguroarson, and the in-form Elliot Payne and Patrick Walsh.

Ian Bainbridge and Andrew Roughead will also attract attention as they debut their new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

Historic rally fans will not be disappointed, with the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship well represented.

George Lepley and co-driver Dafydd Evans lead Category 4 in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4, while a potential appearance from Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell in a BMW E30 M3 could prove a major draw.

Category 3 is expected to be fiercely contested, with Richard Hill and Patrick Cooper looking to build on their recent success, but facing strong opposition including former British Rally Championship frontrunner Tom Cave, who returns in a Ford Escort Mk2 alongside Keaton Williams.

Several other championships will also be decided across the weekend, including the ANWCC Forest Rally Championship, the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge, the TCS Plant Rally Challenge and the Mini Cup Stage Rallying Championship.

Town centre events planned

Welshpool will play a central role throughout the day, hosting rally HQ and service at the livestock market.

The Seven Stars Car Park will act as a key spectator hub, while from around 12:00pm the town centre will host the mid-rally regroup alongside family entertainment, including a treasure hunt and a Guinness World Record attempt.

The ceremonial finish and champagne celebrations are expected to take place from around 3:45pm, with free access for spectators.

The first stage gets underway at 8:30am, with spectator access available at both Aberhirnant and Dyfnant South forests. Parking costs £10 per car, including a programme.

More information is available at www.rallynorthwales.co.uk

 

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South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls – Friendly League results week 21

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LAST week’s fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League produced a number of decisive results as teams continue to battle for position heading into the closing stages of the season.

Llanteg secured a narrow 6–4 victory over East Williamston, while St Johns delivered the standout performance of the week with a commanding 10–0 win against Hundleton.

Lamphey claimed an 8–2 result over St Twynnells, with Badgers matching that scoreline in their win against Cosheston. Reynalton also impressed, recording a dominant 10–0 victory over Kilgetty.

Carew had the bye.

League table after week 21:

East Williamston continue to lead the table, having played 19 matches, winning 13 and sitting on 126 points with a shot difference of +169.

St Johns remain close behind after 20 games, with 12 wins, one draw and seven losses, on 116 points and a shot difference of +132.

Reynalton sit third with eight wins and two draws from 19 matches, holding 99 points.

Carew are fourth on 98 points from 19 games, followed closely by Hundleton on 97 points after 19 matches, with ten wins and one draw.

Llanteg have played 18 matches and sit on 95 points, while St Twynnells, also on 18 games, have nine wins and two draws to reach 93 points.

Lamphey are on 80 points from 19 matches, with Badgers just behind on 79 points.

Cosheston have 74 points from 17 games, while Kilgetty currently sit bottom with 73 points from 19 matches.

 

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Sport

Deadline extended for Cardiff Rugby takeover talks

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THE DEADLINE for a proposed takeover of Cardiff Rugby has been pushed back, giving potential buyers more time to finalise a deal.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has granted Ospreys owners Y11 Sport & Media a further 30 days to continue negotiations, with the new deadline now set for Wednesday (Apr 22).

The original exclusivity period for talks has now expired, but discussions between both parties remain ongoing after the WRU board previously selected Y11 as its preferred bidder in January.

The extension comes at a tense time for Welsh rugby governance. WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood is due to face a vote of no confidence at an extraordinary general meeting later this month, following pressure from leading figures within Central Glamorgan Rugby Union.

Clubs are also expected to vote on proposed changes to how WRU board members are appointed, despite the current representatives having only recently been re-elected.

The unrest follows controversial plans by the WRU to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three by 2027 — a move that has sparked concern across the game.

In a statement, the WRU confirmed that negotiations with Y11 have been ongoing since the group was chosen as the preferred bidder, with both sides continuing to work towards agreeing terms for the takeover.

 

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