Local young footballers Liam Cullen (U9s), Ben Aldred, Scott Jones, Tom Dyson (all at U10s) and Glen Fiteni (U11s) have had another successful year playing for Swansea City at their Centre of Excellence. Training has recommenced and they look forward to playing in the prestigious 'London and Watford International Festival of Football' this weekend and shortly they will have an opportunity to test their skills against Arsenal. Liam Cullen, in his debut season for the U9s, is a naturally left-footed quick midfielder who can operate as a striker when needed. He has had an impressive first season scoring 14 goals in 17 games, including a fine hat-trick away against Plymouth. In a season where the weather played a great part in postponing many games, the team had nine wins, four draws and four defeats. Ben Aldred has settled well this season as a few changes to the squad has given him an opportunity to play in a number of different positions. He has operated on both wings and through the centre of midfield occasionally, and towards the end of the season has been used more as a forward. He is quick with a good skill-range and has very good vision and ability to see and execute crosses and passes.

Scott Jones plays in the centre of midfield, where he is fast, strong and dynamic, with excellent vision. He is able to get up and down the field where he has scored his fair share of goals from midfield. Since January, he has played up an age group in the U11s, where his key strengths have enabled him to adapt well to the 11-a-side game with the extra pace and physical side of the game. He has set up numerous goals with his touch and technique, and has the ability to find the gap in the defence with his through ball. Tom Dyson has completed his second season with the Centre of Excellence and has become an established and well-respected member of the squad. A very accomplished young professional, he has a great understanding of the game and has demonstrated his versatility this season by being able to play in any position. Tom has contributed towards the team's success this season with a number of individual goals and numerous assists, the highlight of which was a well-taken goal in a great performance away to Charlton Athletic. Glen Fiteni has played for the U11s this season. He has greatly developed into a very swift, skilful wide midfielder. He has excelled this season, even when faced with opponents a lot bigger in size, and scored a number of goals. He is versatile, with the ability to control the ball at pace and play short, sharp passes.

Ben, Scott and Tom have also enjoyed playing for Pembrokeshire Schools this year, with coaches Angie Nicholls and Mark Hicks, together with their friends from Pembrokeshire. They reached the semi-finals of the Welsh Schools competition, only to lose to Wrexham on corner counts!