July 24, 2026 - 166 views
Six talented footballers from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and their team manager have been recognised for their part in Wales' Centenary Shield Grand Slam-winning campaign.
The players received their official Welsh Schools FA International Caps, commemorative shirts and Centenary Shield winners' medals during a special awards ceremony at the Blancos Hotel in Port Talbot.
The celebrations also saw Osian Morris, from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, named the Welsh Schools FA Staff Player of the Season.
Earlier this year, the Welsh Schools Under-18 side won every match in the SAFIB Centenary Shield to complete a Grand Slam, securing the prestigious trophy for Wales for the third time in five years.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai played a major role in the success, providing a third of the national squad.
Team manager and Coleg Menai tutor and football coach Marc Lloyd Williams praised the players' achievements.
He said: "It's a remarkable achievement by all of the students. To have a third of the squad from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is a testament to the pathway we provide for students to combine their education with elite sport. I can't thank all the lads enough for all their effort and dedication throughout the season."
The team's final match, played at Llandudno Football Club, saw Wales beat the Republic of Ireland 3-1. Grŵp Llandrillo Menai students made a decisive impact, with Charlie Griffith scoring the opening goal and Owen Roberts netting the second-half winner.
The six North Wales players honoured were Sam Parry from Coleg Llandrillo, Cai Roberts and Deian Andrews from Coleg Menai, and Charlie Griffith, Osian Morris and Owen Roberts from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai said the success highlights the strength of its sports academies, which enable students to combine further education with high-level sporting development.
