'A celebration rather than a presentation' was the opening statement from football development officer Gerry Rigby to a packed audience at Neyland Athletic club last Friday. Nearly 300 parents and youngsters were in attendance, giving their support to this first year of the Sports Pembrokeshire/ Swansea City county coaching initiative. The initiative was set up in September 2006 specifically to enable local talented primary aged footballers to receive regular, quality football coaching within Pembrokeshire. The partnership with Swansea City FC ensures that Swansea come to the centre, rather than the youngsters going to Swansea for trials. Guest speakers for the evening included Clr. Rob Lewis, FAW women and girls' national officer Deb Wise, Lyn Thomas, of Swansea City, and Ron Beynon, of Haverfordwest Academy. Sitting alongside the VIPs were local boys Glen Fetini and Tom Dyson, recent graduates from the centre. Phil Thompson, public relations manager at Chevron, sponsors of Sport Pembrokeshire over many years, was unable to attend due to a prior commitment, but sent the message that Chevron were delighted to continue their association with Sport Pembrokeshire in enabling young people in Pembrokeshire to participate in sporting activities. Clr. Rob Lewis thanked all the parents for their efforts in ensuring that the children were able to attend the coaching sessions and games. Debbie Wise spoke of the progress of the women and girls national programme, and the very significant part that Pembrokeshire had played over the years. Lynn Thomas said: "Swansea City are delighted with the progress of the relationship between Pembrokeshire Coaching Centre and Swansea City FC. We have already had six boys graduate to our centre of excellence, and I am sure that there will more from the Pembrokeshire centre in the coming months." Ron Beynon explained the progression route that the academy offered to the boys leaving the coaching centre, once they had reached the age of 11. The undoubted star of the evening however was Swansea City player of the year Leon Britton, who awarded prizes, signed hundreds of autographs, and conducted a question and answer session with six lucky youngsters, picked from a draw made earlier in the evening. The evening finished with a speech by the compere Gerry Rigby before he conducted the grand draw of prizes given by Simon Davies (Fulham shirt), Swansea City (Swansea shirt and signed ball) Ospreys (signed ball) and a Wales signed rugby ball. The centre recommences in September, and any enquires should be made to Gerry Rigby at Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 764551 or [email protected]">[email protected]