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
Thousands of cyclists arrive in Tenby after 100-mile Carten challenge
THOUSANDS of cyclists rolled into Tenby today after completing one of Wales’ best-known charity cycling challenges.
The annual Carten100 ride took place on Saturday (May 9), with riders setting off from Cardiff City Hall before making the long journey west to Pembrokeshire.

The event, now in its 22nd year, is built around a simple idea: Cardiff to Tenby — 100 miles, on a bike, in a day.
Organisers stress that it is not a race, but a personal challenge designed to get people cycling, bring riders together and raise money for good causes.

This year’s ride was fully booked, with entries limited to 2,400 and an estimated field of around 2,200 cyclists taking part.
Riders left Cardiff from 7:30am, travelling through South Wales on a mix of roads and cycle paths before crossing into Pembrokeshire for the final stretch into Tenby.
The official route included support and refreshment stops at Baglan, Burry Port, Carmarthen and Tavernspite, before riders made their way through Stepaside and on towards the finish.
There was a strong welcome in Tenby as family members, friends and supporters gathered to cheer cyclists home after more than 100 miles in the saddle.

Carten100 has grown from a small ride involving just four cyclists in 2004 into a major annual event on the Welsh cycling calendar.
Since it began, the challenge has helped raise more than £1.75m for Welsh charities and good causes.
Organisers say the aim remains the same: to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get back on their bikes, take on a demanding but achievable challenge, and support charity at the same time.
The 2026 ride covered around 107 miles, with organisers reminding participants that the event takes place on open roads and that cyclists must follow the Highway Code throughout.
Riders were supported along the route by feed stations, event volunteers, support vehicles, mechanical help and first aid cover.
For many, the arrival in Tenby marked the end of months of training and fundraising.
The sight of cyclists streaming into the town has become a familiar early-summer scene, bringing a colourful boost to Tenby and celebrating one of Wales’ most popular mass-participation cycling events.
Photo caption:
Carten100 arrives in Tenby: Riders pictured in the town after completing the Cardiff-to-Tenby challenge on Saturday (Pic: Malcolm Richards).
Sport
Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.
Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.
The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.
Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.
Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.
County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.
Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.
Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.
News
Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success
UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE
YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.
The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.
Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.
The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.
A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.
The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.
Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.
“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.
“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”
Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.
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