Six young footballers from Pembrokeshire recently attended the University of Wales, at Aberystwyth, to play in sessions set up to enable candidates for the FAW/UEFA Advanced Licence to be assessed. Many of these candidates are in the top flight of football as players, coaches or managers. During the first week's course, Chris Bryce, Christopher Darlington and Michael Thomas (all from Haverfordwest) showed their skills over two days, mixing with players from Aberystwyth, Brecon and TNS Academies, to provide the coaching material on which Darren Ferguson (Peterborough United), Andy Legg (Swansea, Cardiff, Peterborough United and Wales), Paul Hall (Walsall and Jamaica) and Kit Symons (Crystal Palace and Wales), amongst others were assessed. Brett Evans, Alex Harley and Daryl Mansbridge (all based in Tenby) joined the FAW party the following week, to link with Academy players for a second UEFA 'A course, which included Kevin Hodges (ex- Plymouth Argyle), Dean Windass (ex-Bradford City, now Hull City), and current Welsh Premier League managers, Neville Powell (Bangor) and Derek Brazil (Haverfordwest County). FA coach Bernard Steer, who accompanied the players, commended their performances, both on and off the field. The FAW was grateful to all the players, especially those who stayed on the field in heavy rain on the second week, to help course candidates complete their assessments on time.
