The Centenary History of the Welsh Schools Football Association. Written and compiled by Ceri Stennett
"As Good As It Gets" is a 200 page soft-back book (235x135mm) that traces the history of the Welsh Schools Football Association (WSFA) from the early years of the 20th Century to the current day.
Football Association of Wales Press Officer and Historian, Ceri Stennett, has spent the last three years researching the association that has provided international football at Under 15 and 18 levels for more than 2,500 players. Of these, more than 100 have gone-on to represent Wales at senior international level. These include such well-known names as Fred Keenor, Cliff Jones, John Toshack, Terry Yorath, Brian Flynn, Mark Hughes, Robbie Savage, Wayne Hennessey, Joe Ledley and current Wales international captain, Aaron Ramsey.
The WSFA is the body that has been charged with the responsibility for discovering and nurturing young football talent in Wales through the schools system. The association runs countless competitions for schools at various age levels to compete in and then organises international matches against the other home countries, plus many more across Europe, for the age-group teams. All has this has been done by legions of teachers across the Principality who have given their time freely to advance the cause of football in Wales.
As well as focusing on the players and teams, Ceri also includes chapters written by many of the former Welsh Schools team managers. There are contributions from Chris Whitley, Lyn Jones, Dai Davies, Adrian Jones, Dafydd Owen, Roger Skyrme and Iolo Owen. In addition the current Under 16 and 18 managers, Osian Roberts and Martin Evans have also written chapters. Contributions have also been made by team administrators from the last forty years, including Derek Flye, Wyn Davies, Cledwyn Ashford, Keith James and David Nickless.
There is a full listing of all matches played with dates, results and goal-scorers, plus player appearances. All that is listed in book form for the first time ever. In addition, there are more than 250 pictures, many never before published of teams and players.
The publication will be of great interest to former players and administrators, as well as the many fans of Welsh football.
‘As Good As It Gets’ is published by Stennett Books, and will be available from April 2011 onwards, priced at £9.99. ISBN 978-09568420-0-8. Further information and orders can be placed via: Ceri Stennett
The under 19 side battled to a great 1-1 draw with Germany at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli in the opening UEFA Elite Round game.
The Germans took an early lead from a corner after eights minutes, defender Luisa Wensing rising at the far post to score from a bullet-header.
It could have been the signal for an all-out onslaught by the Germans, but instead, Jarmo Matikainen's young team fought for every ball and held the German attack at bay. Few chances came to either side for the rest of the opening 45 minutes, but Wales were beginning to grow in confidence as the half wore-on. Captain Nia Jones was very impressive in keeping the shape of the Wales defence under severe pressure.
In the second half, Wales came-out on a mission and denied Germany the time and space to build from midfield. The reward game with just ten minutes to go when captain Nia Jones scored the all-important goal for the girls in red.
It was the signal for an all-out attack from Germany but Wales held their ground and took the point from a famous 1-1 draw.
In the other game, Turkey beat Iceland 3-1 in the early kick off at Parc y Scarlets.
The next games are on Saturday at 3pm when Wales play Iceland at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli and Germany meet Turkey at Richmond Park, Carmarthen. Both games are free admission. - info from FAW.ORG.UK
UNDER 21: Andorra 0 Wales 1
Tuesday 29th March 2011
ANDORRA 0 WALES 1
Goals: Fajardo (21 OG)
An overhit back pass proved to be Andorra's undoing as Brian Flynn's side kicked off 2013 qualifying Group 3 with a victory. - Highlights on Sgorio this Saturday.
info from UEFA.com
Wales line up:
1. Rhys Taylor (Crewe Athletic (Loan), 2. Adam Matthews (Cardiff City),3. Ashley Richards (Swansea City) (Capt), 4. Lee Lucas (Swansea City), 5. Daniel Alfei (Swansea City), 6. Troy Brown (Ipswich Town), 7. Jake Taylor (Reading), 8. Joe Partington (Bournemouth), 9. Ryan Doble (Oxford United loan), 10. Elliott Chamberlain (Leicester City), 11. Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace).
Subs: 12. David Cornell (Port Talbot Town- Loan), 13. Tom Bender (Colchester United), 14. Joe Walsh (Swansea City), 15. Billy Bodin (Crystal Palace), 16. Nathan Craig (Everton), 17. Robert Ogleby (Hearts), 18. Jake Cassidy (Wolves)
Nathan Craig has been called up. Joe Allen has withdrawn from the squad with a shoulder injury.
Other information: Friendly: Andorra v Wales. Venue: Estadi Comunal, Andorra la Vella Date: Tuesday 29th March 2011. Kick off: 3pm UK.
updated: Tue, 29 March, 2011 17:31 UK. Wales' first 2013 Under 21 qualifer is away to Andorra at the end of month. Brian Flynn has named his squad:
Wales squad: Rhys Taylor (Chelsea (loan Crewe Alexandra)), David Cornell (Swansea City (loan Port Talbot Town)), Daniel Alfei(Swansea City), Tom Bender (Colchester United), Troy Brown (Ipswich Town), Paul Dummett (Newcastle United), Ashley Richards (Swansea City), Adam Matthews (Cardiff City), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Billy Bodin (Swindon Town), Lee Lucas (Swansea City), Joe Partington (Bournemouth), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace), Ryan Doble (Southampton (loan Oxford)), Elliott Chamberlain (Leicester City), Robert Ogleby (Hearts), Jake Taylor (Reading), Jake Cassidy (Wolves).
Stand by players: Jonathan Bond (Watford), Kieron Freeman (Nottingham Forest), Adam Henley (Blackburn), David Stephens - (Hibernian), Joe Walsh (Swansea City), Nathan Craig (Everton), Tom Bradshaw (Shrewsbury Town), Kayelden Brown (West Bromwich Albion) (loan Port Vale), Matthew Harriott (Sheffield United), Jonathan Meades (Cardiff City), Casey Thomas (Swansea City (Port Talbot Town))
EURO 2012: Wales 0 England 2
Saturday 26th March 2011
WALES 0 ENGLAND 2 Defeat for Wales against England at the Millennium Stadium. It was a comfortable victory for England has two goals in the first 14 minutes earned England the three points. It was Wales’ fourth defeat on the bounce in Euro 2012, which leaves Gary Speed’s team bottom firmly, rooted to the bottom of Group G.
Wales starting line up: 1. Wayne Hennessey (Wolves), 2. Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest), 3. Danny Collins (Stoke City), 4. Andrew Crofts (Norwich City), 5. James Collins (Aston Villa), 6. Ashley Williams (Swansea City), 7. Joe Ledley (Celtic), 8. Craig Bellamy (loan Cardiff City), 9. Steve Morison (Millwall), 10. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) (Capt), 11. Andy KIng (Leicester City).
Subs: 12. Boaz Myhill (WBA), 13.Neal Eardley (Blackpool), 14. Danny Gabbidon (West Ham United), 15. David Vaughan (Blackpool), 16. Joe Allen (Swansea City), 17. Simon Church (Reading), 18. Ched Evans (Sheffield United).
Olegario Benquerenca from Portugal is the match referee.
updated: Sun, 27 March, 2011 11:40 UK.
Due to a hamstring injury, Gareth Bale has had to withdraw.
After training last week and playing 90 minutes on Saturday for his club, Bale felt some muscle tightness. Initially, this was expected to be muscle soreness after playing his first game. On joining-up with the squad he was kept off his feet in training for two days to recover. As he still felt tight in the warm-up on Tuesday, Gareth was pulled-out of the session. He did not train at all on Wednesday and was sent for a scan, with the scan revealing that he has picked-up his injury last week.
Aaron Ramsey will captain the side. "There were two or three candidates. I thought about what is best for the team going forward. I spoke to Aaron before making the decision and told him there were certain responsibilities and duties that would go with it, and to see if he was happy with it." - Gary Speed.
There maybe some doubts this evening Friday (25/03) about the quality of Millennium Stadium pitch. "When playing football & rugby in the same stadium the pitch will always be a concern. The groundsmen did a great job. Earlier this week the pitch was shocking." - assistant coach Raymond Verheije.
There appear to be no fresh injury worries for manager Gary Speed as the squad trained fully for the first time this morning (22/03) ahead of the clash against England.
earlier: James Collins has been passed fit to face England and could captain Wales on Saturday. The central defender took part in a full training session with his club today (Mon 21/03), before meeting up with the Wales squad in Cardiff.
updated: Mon, 21 March, 2011 22:16 UK. earlier: James Collins has delayed joining up with the squad, the defender is still suffering from a calf injury and will remain at his club Aston Villa for treatment. He is set to join the squad on Monday afternoon (21/03) after a fitness test.
Called up is Sam Vokes (Wolves) as a hamstring injury has forced Robert Earnshaw to withdraw. Joe Ledley is also set to join the squad on Monday after playing for his club on Sunday. earlier: Gary Speed has named the Wales squad for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against England on Saturday 26th March. There are injury doubts over James Collins (calf) and Robert Earnshaw (hamstring).
Wales squad:
Wayne Hennessey
Wolves
Boaz Myhill
West Bromwich Albion
Lewis Price
Crystal Palace
Danny Collins
Stoke City
James Collins
Aston Villa
Neal Eardley
Blackpool
Danny Gabbidon
West Ham United
Chris Gunter
Nottingham Forest
Lewin Nyatanga
Bristol City
Neil Taylor
Swansea City
Ashley Williams
Swansea City
Joe Allen
Swansea City
Gareth Bale
Tottenham Hotspur
Andrew Crofts
Norwich City
Andy King
Leicester City
Joe Ledley
Celtic
Aaron Ramsey
Arsenal
David Vaughan
Blackpool
Craig Bellamy
Manchester City (Loan Cardiff City)
Simon Church
Reading
Robert Earnshaw
Nottingham Forest
Ched Evans
Sheffield United
Freddie Eastwood
Coventry City
Steve Morison
Millwall
Hal Robson-Kanu
Reading
Stand by players: Jason Brown (Blackburn Rovers -loan Cardiff City), Darcy Blake (Cardiff City), Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City), Andy Dorman (Crystal Palace), Brian Stock (Doncaster Rovers), David Cotterill (Swansea City -loan Portsmouth), Jermaine Easter (Crystal Palace). Sam Vokes (Wolves -loan Sheffield United)
Gary Speed will announce the squad for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against England on Friday 18th March 2011 at around mid-day.
EARLY TEAM NEWS: Robert Earnshaw is out, Earnshaw limped off at half-time with a hamstring problem during his club's game on Saturday (12/03). Gary Speed will be without Sam Ricketts (Achilles), David Edwards (back) and Jack Collison (knee).
earlier: The Euro 2012 qualifer against England will be played at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday 26th March 2011, kick-off 3pm.
"The FAW is delighted to be taking the match to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as it is a world-class venue. The capacity means that all of the Wales fans should be able to purchase a ticket and it also allows for the travelling England fans to have a decent quota in their part of the ground, as is agreed in the rules of the competition. The knowledge and expertise that the Millennium Stadium has for staging such high-profile events means that we can all look forward to a great afternoon of football, played and supported in the best traditions of fairplay. The fact that this is also the 100th meeting between the two countries adds spice to the occasion. The first match was back in 1879 there is an awful lot of history between us!" - FAW Chief Executive, Jonathan Ford.
Tickets news published by the FAW on Friday 10th December 2010.
other information: Euro 2012: Wales v England. Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Date: Saturday 26th March 2011. Kick off: 3pm. Referee: Olegario Benquerence. Other: Wales in all red. LIVE: Live on Sky Sports 1.
FAW: Wales v England family zone
Friday 25th March 2011
FAMILY ZONE
Wales Fans are invited to bring the kids along to the Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar this Saturday as the Millennium Stadium’s sports cafe launches its family zone ahead of the Wales’ Euro 2012 qualifying clash with England.
The Cardiff Arms cafe bar, set in front of the Millennium Stadium on Westgate Street, is the closest place to the action, and will be serving a wide selection of food and drink from 10am until kick off - including the special offer of a large 12” pizza and a large bowl of chips for £12.50 for all the family!
The free-to-enter venue, originally known as Jackson's racket club in the 1800s, has become a focal point for thousands of visitors at the home of Welsh sport with its ever changing array of Stadium memorabilia to celebrate over a decade of rock concerts, motorsports, football, rugby and boxing and much more at the iconic venue.
This weekend the Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar will be opening at 10am for fans heading in to the city centre early and will remain open to show all the coverage from the Millennium Stadium clash for supporters without a ticket. The official Welsh Rugby Union store, also on site, will be open from 9.30am.
For further information on the Cardiff Arms Store and Cafe Bar, please visit the official website www.millenniumstadium.com
info from FAW.org.uk posted: Fri, 25 March, 2011 20:56 UK.