College continues partnership with Llanelli Town AFC in their goal to raise the profile of regional football

Coleg Sir Gâr and Llanelli Town AFC have continued their partnership to provide the highest level of football within the community with first-class training opportunities.

Wayne Stephens, chair of Llanelli AFC visited Coleg Sir Gâr to officially sign the memorandum of understanding which seals the partnership agreement offering football opportunities to post-16 learners at the college and the club.

This football-lead initiative will include maximising the use of sporting facilities at the college with the club regularly using its 3G pitch, Llanelli Town AFC junior teams having access to the college gym and sports hall during winter months and developing a community programme.

The partnership will also help provide opportunities for college students to develop employability skills by working with the club and taking part in its activities.

Coleg Sir Gâr will also have the opportunity of talking to the club’s under 16 players about educational options and joining the college’s football academy.

Wayne Stephens, chair of Llanelli Town AFC said: “This partnership will allow players from our academy and communities, to have access to the outstanding facilities offered on our doorstep at Coleg Sir Gâr.

“Education has always been at the forefront for me and Llanelli Town AFC and with this partnership, an education pathway can now be explored alongside the football pathway, allowing players from both parties to achieve first class qualifications, whilst playing sport.

“This doesn’t stop here for us, as we also look to offer education to parents and family members of our club, who would like to pursue education, whether that be basic classes to higher education.

“Coleg Sir Gâr is the hub of our community and along with the town football club, this partnership will bring together two organisations, making this partnership the heart of the community. For our teenagers, they can see that they can play sport and choose a relevant subject to study at the same time.

“I would like to thank Andrew, Euros, Tom, Jonathan and everyone behind the scenes for making this happen and we will all continue to push this partnership in the right direction.”

Euros Evans, head of sports academies at Coleg Sir Gâr added: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Llanelli Town AFC and a developing a new chapter for our students and the club.

“This collaboration will provide our students, the club and the wider community with unparalleled opportunities to enhance their skills, receive quality training, and compete at higher levels.

“Together, we aim to create a nurturing environment that fosters the growth and success of young athletes, ultimately contributing to the future of football in our region."

Pic from left: Euros Evans, head of sports academies at Coleg Sir Gâr, Wayne Stephens, chair of Llanelli Town AFC and Tom Snelgrove, director of learner experience at Coleg Sir Gâr.