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The Development Centre Say Thank You |
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Readers of this site donated between them £200 to sponsor one of the trophies on the day which was won by the development centre side who edged out the centre of excellence 2-1 in a keenly fought final. Yesterday I presented the cheque for £200 to Mickey Evans from the development centre on behalf of the readers of this site. Mickey Evans (right) receives the cheque from JackArmy.net While at the Vetch I took the time to ask some more questions on the development centre and the festival of football itself. So What Is The Development Centre Following a meeting last September between Gerry Wilkins, Wayne Powell(Head of Youth at the time), and Michael Evans, it was agreed to amalgamate Swansea Junior League and Swansea City Football Club to create a pathway / stepping stone for young players to hopefully progress to the centre of excellence at the Vetch Field, with the Phoenix Centre in Townhill being created as it’s base. And how did the festival of football come about? Since it’s early beginnings the development centre has looked at ways of improving the footballing environment and playing standards of it’s players. It was felt, following the successful involvement of teams last April in the Italian National Tournament, where they played against sides from AC Milan, Sampdoria, Parma, and other Serie ‘A’ sides, it was felt by the coaching staff, players and families that this was the way forward for the Swansea Development centre in creating it’s open festival, which took place on Sunday 31st August 2003 at University Playing Fields, Fairwood. And how big was the event With over 500 youngsters present on the day, plus their families, this in-augral tournament will hopefully become a yearly event, with next season involving the other young age groups at 12, 13, 14 and 15. With emphasis on Fun and Enjoyment, the games were refereed by the young scholars currently at the Vetch Field. What sort of teams were present Clubs involved in the festival included West End, Llangyfelach, Port Tennant, Prescelli, Dunvant, Porthcawl, Pontardawe, Afan Nedd, Birchgrove, Kenfig Pumas, St. Josephs, Landore, Tenby, Bryncoch and Mumbles. The development organising committee would like to thank the following for their generous donations; Bergoni, Tesco, Toby Carvery(Killay), Cockle Shell(Brewers Fayre), Gowerton Golf Range, Lazer Zone and Megabowl. The feedback from all the participating teams was very positive and everybody is looking forward to the next event. A very strong field of teams were invited to attend which resulted in a very competitive tournament with a high standard of football being played and thanks to groundsman Kevin Roberts a perfect playing surface. And the winners on the day? U-9’s Winners–Centre of Excellence, Runners Up–Tenby U-10’s Winners–Development Centre, Runners Up–Centre of Excellence U-11’s Winners–Llangyfelach, Runners Up–Trefelin The John Hartson U-9 Trophy John himself would have been very pleased with the skill levels of these young players during the tournament. The trophy final was between Swansea Centre of Excellence and a strong side from Tenby. The game was a close contest which was eventually won by the Excellence side with a goal scored direct from a corner by Ashley Parry. The Centre Of Excellence Side With The John Hartson Trophy The Jackarmy.net Trophy After some close encounters in the early round the final was contested between Swansea Centre of Excellence and the Development Centre. The Excellence side scored first after Emyr Huws, who beat three players before slotting the ball past the keeper. The development team eventually got their game together and equalised when Adam Thornton forced the ball home from a narrow angle. They then secured the Jackarmy.net trophy with a screamer of a goal from Ryan Chapple. The Development Centre side with the JackArmy.net trophy The Harcourt Litho Trophy With very little between any of the teams in this age group, the final was to be no different. Numerous chances were created by both teams, but the goal keepers were in fine form. Llangyfelach eventually overcame a very talented Trefelin side, the winning goal being scored from close range during a goalmouth scramble by an overjoyed Sam Roden. Llangyfelach with the Harcourt Litho trophy Staff at the Development Centre would like to place on record their gratitude to all the supporters who donated money in support of this venture, in particular, Jackarmy.net, John Hartson and Harcourt Litho for sponsoring the individual age groups prizes. I’d like to add my thanks to all the people who helped support the festival of football from this site. |
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