The college Merthyr Tydfil caters for youth footballers 16-19. The coaching is inclusive and accessible to all, and student athletes can access the programme studying any area of the learners choice. Student athletes accessing the football programme will train and play at Merthyr Town Football Club, and they will have access to professional league standard facility. The programme has a wonderful legacy of learners accessing prestigious universities to continue their educational and career development. The college has supported and developed talented players in gaining international honours with Welsh Colleges Schools and the Boys Club of Wales programme. Former alumni in our female programme include Gemma Evans and Chloe Lloyd. 

Success Criteria: 

• Twice crowned Welsh Colleges Male category 3 League Champions on two occasions. 

• Have reached the last 8 of British Colleges AOC Knockout Cup on several occasions. 

• Many players accessing senior football in the semi-professional game and Ardal Welsh Leagues. 

• Consistent representation in Welsh Schools, colleges and Boys Club of Wales squads. 

• Former learners accessing prestigious universities. 

• Former alumni are working in high performance sport and professional clubs as coaches or support staff. 

Holistic Balance: 

There are no restrictions on accessing the academy, games and training. Training schedules are fitted around all subjects, so there is no barrier to accessing the football programme. Learners are encouraged to access sports and enrichment opportunities, and effective pastoral support is issued to ensure they remain model student athletes. 

Two outstanding student athletes from the college have been selected for Welsh Colleges Football squad. Tye Duggan and Josh Jones both attended trials in Aberystwyth, and were successful in the selection process.

Both players represented Welsh Colleges against England Independent Schools at St Georges Park on December 14th 2022. This is a great achievement for both players, and to be part of the squad in two successive seasons is a testament to the consistency and high standards that they bothset themselves. Tye is also hopeful of making the Welsh Schools squad
as he qualifies for under 18s, and the squad are going to compete in a highly prestigious competition in Rome later in the year.

Tye stated:

“I was really pleased to get the call up and opportunity to represent Welsh Colleges this season. Last year I gained great experiences playing against great teams, and the standard of coaching and supported me with my club and college football. It was also great to see Josh called up again, and it is wonderful for our college to have a few faces in the squad. On a personal note, I’d like to thank David Haggett for putting our names forwards, and for all the help he has given me personally since I arrived at the college.”

Both players have fixtures in the new year, and are relishing the opportunity and challenge of facing international football. The college are grateful to the Welsh Schools manager Marc Lloyd-Williams and his support staff for the experiences and
opportunities they have given Josh and Tye.

David Haggett concludes,
“Both Josh and Tye have shown a great attitude. They display a high work ethic in every session, and are motivated to reach their potential. They will benefit from this opportunity, and this experience will aid their future development, and I wish them
well.”