Page 4 - STOPWATCH AUTUMN 2023

PÊL-DROED / FOOTBALL
COLEG LLANDRILLO HOSTS SUCCESSFUL URDD FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT FOR 400 CHILDREN
Teams from 38 schools played in the seven -a-side tournament on the 3G pitches at the Rhos-on-Sea campus, offering year five and six children an opportunity to enjoy sport while developing their language skills.
The tournament was organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru, with sports students from Coleg Llandrillo helping to make the day a success. Twenty-eight learners from the Level 3 Sports Science, Performance and Excellence and Sports Coaching courses were involved in refereeing and timekeeping, as well as helping to organise teams to ensure the smooth running of the event.
Ysgol Bod Alaw of Colwyn Bay were crowned the winners, after beating Ysgol Bro Gwydir of Llanrwst in a closely contested final settled by a ‘golden goal’ in extra time. Ysgol Bod Alaw will now go on to play the national finals at the Urdd Primary Schools Festival in Aberystwyth next May.
Harvey Bennett, who is in the second year of his Level 3 Performance & Excellence course, refereed the final as well as several other games. He said: “I think it’s a really good idea for young kids to come from different backgrounds. There’s a lot of young boys and girls here and I think it’s a good opportunity for them to score goals and have fun with their mates.”
Gracey Anderson, a first-year Level 3 Sports Science student, was involved in timekeeping, organising the teams and
communicating bilingually with the children. She said:
“Because I’ve come from a Welsh-speaking school I think it’s a good opportunity to use Welsh. I’m timing the games and making sure everyone knows what they’re doing, and also communicating with the pupils in English and in Welsh so that they’re comfortable in any language they want to speak in.”
Amy Thomson, programme area manager for Sport and Public Services, said: “We're delighted to be working closely with the Urdd again. Our learners gain invaluable experience in refereeing the tournament, developing their confidence and communication skills as well as role-modelling for the youngsters. We are looking forward to the future tournaments that are going to be held at Llandrillo, in particular the Conwy primary schools girls’ football tournament next month.”
Lawrence Wood, Coleg Llandrillo Principal, said: “It’s fantastic to see children from across the region come here to play football in this Urdd competition. It’s also a really good opportunity for our sports students to do their leadership and coaching qualifications. We’re a great supporter of the Urdd, and we want to do all we can to promote it.”
Guto Williams, Welsh language facilitator at Coleg Llandrillo, said: “It’s been a great day. It’s brilliant to work in partnership with the Urdd and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to get practical experience.”
4 SPORT CHWARAEON CONWY
Principal Lawrence Wood with teachers and primary school pupils at the Urdd football tournament on
the 3G pitch.