Castell Nedd Swansea City Swans

21st May
A young six-a-side team from Ysgol Castell Nedd (Neath) were crowned U11 Champions at the prestigious annual Premier League Schools Tournament.
After winning the local tournaments held at Swansea City's Cwmdu Development Centre, both Ysgol Castell Nedd and Ysgol Dyffryn Aman were chosen to represent the Swans in the U11 Mixed and U13 Girls categories respectively.
A total of 14,000 youngsters and 1,700 schools took part in the local heats and over 300 budding young footballers descended on Everton's Goodison Park for the national tournament.
Ysgol Castell Nedd got off to a great start recording back to back wins in their first three group games against West Brom (2-1), Leicester (1-0) and Villa (1-0), before being held to a 1-1 draw against Liverpool. Their unbeaten streak saw them top their group booking them a place in the knock-out stages where they lined up against Everton in the semi-final.
A 4-2 thriller against the hosts saw them progress to the final to face Crystal Palace.
A strike courtesy of captain Joel Colwill saw them lift the silverware and ensured they finished the day undefeated.
"It was an amazing day," said Castell Nedd's 'keeper, Will Owen. "We really enjoyed representing Swansea City, going in the tunnel and playing on the pitch. I loved how both schools supported each other throughout the day. The support from our parents and the girls gave us a lot of confidence in the final."
Defender Morgan Thomas added:  "We were nervous for the final but everyone got over that and did what they had to do. Not many people have a chance to play on this pitch. You have to earn the right to do so.
"It was very good to be Swansea's representative. Lots of schools entered but we came through qualifying to be here, it's unbelievable. I will never forget this."
The trophy win was a sweet moment for the Castell Nedd team who just missed out on being Swansea City's representative at last year's Schools Tournament at Spurs' White Hart Lane.
"I was aware that we had the nucleus of a very good team and I was hopeful that we would qualify," said YGG Castell Nedd head-teacher Tudur Jones. "It has been an amazing experience for the boys and for their families. It's been fantastic from start to finish."



In the Under-13s girls tournament, Ysgol Dyffryn Aman were quick out the blocks with a 1-1 draw against West Brom followed up by a 4-0 victory over Leicester. They then fell 1-0 to Villa but regained their form with a 3-1 win over Liverpool in their final group game. It wasn't enough to take them through to the knock out stages however as they finished the day second in their group.
"I have experienced some memories that I will never forget," said Celyn Barnett from Dyffryn Aman. "Riding on the first team bus, playing in a Premier League stadium and talking to the cameras all made me feel like a professional player for the day."

Thomas Williams, Swansea City's Community Trust PL School Sport Co-ordinator, added: "We are extremely proud of the efforts from both of our representatives. They displayed great levels of enthusiasm, motivation and skill while upholding the values of the club.
"The boys especially showed great character and determination in overcoming a strong challenge from the host team in the semi-final to successfully become Premier League Schools Champions."