AMMANFORD END ON A HIGH WITH A TITLE TRIUMPH
Ammanford Under-16s were crowned Carmarthenshire League champions after a superb season.
AMMANFORD Under-16s ended their spell in junior football by being crowned Carmarthenshire League champions.
It was a fitting finale for the players, who have proved fine ambassadors for the club during the best part of a decade.
And now as the players look ahead to more senior football, they can look back at a period that has seen countless matches, success and tours to Devon, Holland and Barcelona.
The team of coaches who helped shape this team include Chris Davies, Richard Harrow, Steffan Thomas, Robert Brook, Adam Dart and Carl Morgan. In that time the number of players who have been produced for academies stretches into double figures.
There has also been a huge amount of parental work behind the scenes.
“Discipline and respect were factors of the success, both for players and parents,” said Carl Morgan, who coached the side at under-16 level.
In the last year the team played 22 matches and lost just one. The squad of 17 scored 108 goals and conceded only 38.
They enjoyed a successful run in the West Wales Cup, reaching the semi-finals by seeing off dominant Swansea side Ynystawe, only for the season to be cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.
They have won fair play awards for the last two years, but their biggest achievement is being crowned under-16 league champions, something the squad have been working towards for the last three years. Throughout this time they have got progressively better and were eventually rewarded for all the effort and hard work they put in.
Another success story has seen Nico Sofiu offered a professional academy scholarship with Torquay United. Morgan added: “This is a huge achievement and proof that development and success works hand in hand.
“Our aim at Ammanford is to bring the best out of these players and if we can help any player make a career out of it, then we are doing something right.
“As an under-13 Nico was snapped up by Newport County, where he was so committed he used to travel up on his own by train. Last year he wasn’t offered a scholarship so he came back home to play for Ammanford.
“Initially his confidence was low, but with hard work and belief he grew and grew and finished off as one of the most exciting players in the league.
“He has worked hard and reaping the rewards.
“The boys and Ammanford AFC wish Nico every success for the future.
“We would like to thank Ammanford AFC, the coaches, parents, supporters and most of all the players for the last five years for what they have done.” is now