Students presented with Wales caps by former Premier League star
Four members of the Coleg Menai / Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor team were recognised at the Welsh Schools Football Association’s annual awards
Four Grŵp Llandrillo Menai footballers were presented with their international caps by former Premier League star Angel Rangel.
Morgan Davies, Byron Davis, Osian Morris and Rhys Williams were recognised at the Welsh Schools Football Association’s annual awards ceremony.
All four represented Wales in the annual Roma Caput Mundi tournament in Italy and the prestigious Centenary Shield competition against the other home nations, among other games across the season.
They all play for the Coleg Menai / Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor team which finished third in the English Colleges Premier League, behind champions The New Saints and Hopwood Hall College.
At the ceremony in Port Talbot, they were presented with their caps by former Swansea City captain Rangel, who addressed them with heartfelt words of encouragement, recognising the effort, commitment, pride and professionalism they had shown in representing their country.
Osian Morris (Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and Dolgellau Athletic) also won the Most Improved Player of the Year award. He was chosen for the award by Welsh Schools U18 Coaching staff in recognition of his outstanding contribution throughout the season, which included scoring six goals in key fixtures.
Morgan, Byron, Osian and Rhys are all members of Academi Menai, enabling them to combine their studies with training and playing for the Coleg Menai / Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor team at the highest level of college football.
Marc Lloyd Williams, Coleg Menai Academi Coordinator and Welsh Schools U18 Team Manager, said: “The contribution of the Coleg Menai / Meirion-Dwyfor learners to the national squad is a testament to the quality of coaching and development at the college and with their respective clubs.
“We’re proud of the learners for representing their college, club and country with pride whilst away on international duty.”
Coleg Menai / Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s third-placed league campaign was built on hard work, tactical discipline and a commitment to developing players for the next level. As well as playing for Welsh Schools, Byron, Morgan and Osian also gained international recognition with Welsh Colleges U19s, representing their country on 12 occasions between both squads.
Marc Lloyd Williams added: “The achievements of these young learners highlights how Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers more than just vocational and academic qualifications. It provides a platform where education and elite football development go hand in hand, helping learners grow both academically and athletically.
“All four learners entered the college via a development pathway with Cymru Premier League side Caernarfon Town. Their involvement at academy level with the club provided a strong foundation, helping them transition smoothly into the high-performance football and academic environment at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.
“This collaboration highlights the power of community club partnerships in bridging grassroots and academy football with further education and national representation.
“For prospective learners passionate about football, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers a supportive environment to train, compete and progress, while gaining vital qualifications in a variety of vocational and academic courses that open doors for the future.
“Whether it’s aiming for a career in sport or building skills for life, college football can be a powerful part of your journey at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.”
Do you want to combine your studies with your passion for sport? Learn more about Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s academies here.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai offers a range of sport courses from Level 1 up to Degree level. Learn more here.