Stars in the Ascendancy at Llandarcy Academy of Sport

It’s been another stellar year for our students at Llandarcy Academy of Sport as they achieved outstanding results, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.

Just twelve months ago, Llandarcy Academy of Sport was in the hands of Swansea Bay University Health Board and operating as a field hospital in the fight against Covid-19.

This meant that our students undertook a blended-learning approach to study, embracing new communication technologies as they progressed through their courses.

That they have excelled despite the challenges faced is a testament to their hard work and determination, as well as the support of their lecturers.

Five members of the BTEC Level 3 Sport (Performance & Excellence) achieved the highest grade possible; Triple Distinction Star (D*D*D*).

Chloe Evans – An international netballer who received a sports bursary in her first year and became a Gold Youth Ambassador, Chloe has been accepted into Cardiff Metropolitan University to study Sport, Physical Education and Health and hopes to continue her international netball career.

Georgia Grange – The rugby and netball star is a name to look out for in the future! Georgia has been accepted into the prestigious Hartpury College to study for a Sports Coaching degree.

Victoria Powney – Victoria is a top karate and netballer performer who was awarded a sports bursary in her first year. Another Gold Youth Ambassador, she is off to study Sport and Exercise Science at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Victoria said: “The best two years of my education without a doubt! From the lecturers to the facilities, Llandarcy Academy of Sport was amazing, I wouldn’t have wanted to have a better group of people around me. It has prepared me for university life; I am excited to move on but will miss everyone so much!”

Scott Hawkins – A talented rugby player and a key member of the successful NPTC Group of Colleges team, Scott was an enthusiastic member of the Gold Youth Ambassador Scheme and worked tirelessly, leading many sessions through the pandemic. Scott is going to Swansea University to study for a Sport and Exercise Science degree.

Aneurin Morgan – Another talented and enthusiastic rugby player, Aneurin has been given an unconditional offer by Cardiff Metropolitan University to study for a degree in Sport, Physical Education and Health and has been training with the famous ‘Archers’ rugby team for the past three months.

There were also some notable success stories on the BTEC Level 3 Sport (Coaching and Development) course, with six students achieving a Triple Distinction Star.

Ffion France – A committed member of the ladies football, rugby and netball squads, Ffion somehow found time to become a Gold Youth Ambassador. Working alongside the PASS officers at NPTCBC, she delivered talks to new young ambassadors at training events and led weekly online sessions with Foundation Studies students. Ffion has gained a place on the highly competitive Sports Therapy course at Birmingham City University.

Connor Rees – The budding entrepreneur is setting up his own Sports Therapy and Massage business.

Ffion Maddock – Welsh cricket international Ffion was awarded a sports scholarship bursary in her first year of college for her exceptional sporting talent and became a Gold Youth Ambassador. A testament to her sporting prowess, Ffion received unconditional offers from various universities and has accepted an offer to study Sport, Physical Education and Health at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Ffion’s lecturer Jo Jones said: “Ffion has been an exceptional student who has always maintained good work habits, follows all directions and has a positive attitude towards learning. Ffion always demonstrated an honest mindset whilst embracing the extra-curricular activities and will thrive in her higher education journey.”

Katelyn Kneath – A keen footballer and Gold Youth Ambassador, Katelyn has been accepted to Cardiff Metropolitan University to study Sport, Physical Education and Health.

Hannah Garnett – Welsh cricketer Hannah joins Katelyn on the Sport, Physical Education and Health degree course at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Georgia Howells – The talented footballer is heading to the University of South Wales to study Sports and Exercise Therapy.

Added to these outstanding achievements, Molly Goss, who achieved a D*D*D, has become the first BTEC student to be selected to study Osteopathy at Swansea University.

Molly said: “The course offered many different opportunities and has brilliant facilities on campus for students to use. The support and encouragement that I received from my tutor and lecturers throughout this difficult time was amazing and pushed me to complete my course to the best of my ability. I will always have fond memories of the time that I spent at Llandarcy Academy of Sport. I’d like to say a big thank you to my tutor Jo and the rest of the sports staff for the support they have given me over the years, and for pushing me to do the best that I can.”

These students now join our illustrious sporting alumni who have been making headlines of their own in South Africa recently.

Former BTEC Level 3 Sport student Adam Beard becomes the latest member of our alumni to reach the very highest level of sport, being selected for the British and Irish Lions 2021 tour to South Africa and winning his Lions test cap in the final match of the series. He began his journey at Llandarcy Academy of Sport and Birchgrove RFC before progressing through the ranks at Aberavon RFC and The Ospreys, earning his first Welsh cap in 2017, and was a key member of the 2019 Grand Slam-winning team.

He was joined on tour by Defence Coach Steve Tandy, himself a former student at Llandarcy Academy of Sport, studying a BTEC National Diploma in Sport and an HND in Sports Coaching.

If you want to follow in their footsteps and join the next generation of sports stars at Llandarcy Academy of Sport, enrolment is now open!

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