ColegauCymru was delighted to return to North Wales recently, to hold the second edition of the regional Ability Counts Football Tournament for FE college learners.
ILS and pre-vocational learners from across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s campuses took part in the competition in Colwyn Bay, with the winners Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and runners-up Coleg Glynllifon progressing to the national finals in Cardiff.
The inclusive event, organised by CollegesWales Sport with support from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, is designed to engage learners and forms part of the ColegauCymru Active wellbeing Project which works with 11 FE colleges across Wales, engaging over 5,000 learners every year. Typically, the project focuses on learners not already engaged in physical activity or sport, with an emphasis on groups with protected characteristics, including learning disability, that may lead to barriers to participation.
Teams from across the Grŵp’s campuses travelled to Parc Eirias for the competition, with around 80 students taking part.
The event was also supported by four Coleg Llandrillo sport learners who refereed the games, and two wellbeing ambassadors who assisted as competition organisers.
Non-competitive games were also held to ensure as many learners as possible were able to enjoy the experience.
Rob Baynham, ColegauCymru Active Wellbeing and Sports Project Manager, said,
“The Ability Counts Football tournament is one of the highlights of the FE sporting calendar and it was fantastic to see the North Wales event yet again proving a success.
To engage more than 80 learners with additional learning needs in an event of this kind is testament to the commitment of FE colleges to the wellbeing of their learners.
Congratulations to everyone involved, with a special mention to the winning team from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and the runners-up from Glynllifon.”
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai Chief Executive Officer, Aled Jones-Griffith, added,
“We’re hugely proud to have hosted the second North Wales Ability Counts Football Tournament in collaboration with ColegauCymru, following the success of last year’s inaugural competition.
The tournament showcased the importance of hosting events such as this for those of all abilities. Congratulations to all those who took part, and good luck to the winning teams from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and Glynllifon when they compete in the national tournament in Cardiff.”
ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk, further added,
“It’s really pleasing to see the growth of the Ability Counts Football Tournament across the sector, providing learners with new and exciting opportunities.
Supporting this inclusive offer with learners involved as match officials and organisers also provides quality work experience in the process.”
The winning teams from the North Wales event and those from the previous South competition will progress on to a national final in Cardiff in January 2025.
Further Information
ColegauCymru Active Wellbeing Strategy
2020 - 2025
Rob Baynham, ColegauCymru Active Wellbeing and Sport Project Manager
Rob.Baynham@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
