Hundreds of children enjoy Urdd football tournament at Coleg Llandrillo
The college’s sport students refereed and helped organise the annual primary school tournament, which was won by Ysgol Glanwydden
More than 350 children played in the annual Urdd Conwy open primary school football tournament at Coleg Llandrillo.
Ysgol Glanwydden were the winners, beating Ysgol Maes Owen 2-0 in the final, with Elliott Jones named player of the tournament.
Both teams will be invited to play in the Urdd national finals in Aberystwyth on June 20.
Caitlin Blackwell, year 5 and 6 teacher at Ysgol Glanwydden, said: “This is a tournament that we like to take part in every year, and this is the first time in around 10 years that we’ve won, so it’s really exciting for the children involved.
“It’s really nice to have local opportunities for the children to work as a team, play football which so many of them love to do, and support and encourage each other.
“I can see by the smiles on their faces that they’ve had the best day, and off to Aberystwyth we go. It’s a chance for them to travel to a different part of the country and compete nationally against teams from different parts of the country, which is great for their development.”
The tournament, organised by Urdd Gobaith Cymru, is for boys and girls in years 5 and 6. It is held every year on the 3G pitch at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos-on-Sea campus.
This year’s edition was contested by 35 teams from across Conwy County, with teams playing each other in five mini-leagues before a knockout phase of quarter-finals, semi-finals and then the final.
As always, Coleg Llandrillo sport students refereed the games and helped with timekeeping and ensuring the smooth running of the tournament.
The tournament was also a chance for children, college staff and students to practise their use of Welsh, whatever their level of fluency.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru will also host a year 5 and 6 girls’ tournament at the college on October 23. First-year Level 3 Sport Science students are already planning the organisation of the tournament as part of their Welsh Baccalaureate and Community Sports Leaders Awards.
Amy added: “We look forward to future events at Coleg Llandrillo, particularly the Conwy primary schools girls’ football tournament next month.”
Marc Thomas, sports competitions officer for Urdd Gobaith Cymru, said: “It was great to welcome 35 teams and more than 350 children to the college for our Urdd Open football tournament.
“To hear so many children enjoying their day and using the Welsh language was a great feeling. I’m already looking forward to the girls’ tournament at the college on October 23.
“A big thank you to all school children, staff, parents, first aiders and the college for a great day full of fun. Good luck to Ysgol Glanwydden and Ysgol Maes Owen in Aberystwyth, where they will compete against the other winners throughout Wales. On we go to the next one!”
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