Llangatwg win right to represent Swans

Pupils from Llangatwg Community School and Gowerton Comprehensive School are the latest to compete to represent Swansea City in this year’s Premier League Enterprise Challenge.

The Enterprise Challenge sees Year 9 and 10 students take on a football business-related task set by Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore.

This season, groups are tasked to develop a business plan and promotional campaign to increase the number of 18 to 23-year-olds following the club and attending matches.

Held at the Liberty Stadium, the Enterprise Challenge local heat, which is sponsored by Swansea University, saw pupils from Llangatwg and Gowerton present their ideas to a panel of judges and guests in their bid to represent the Swans this year.

Last year’s Swans representatives, Dwr-Y-Felin, went all the way to the final held in London.

They returned to this year’s local heat to provide support and final words of encouragement and advice to this year’s competitors.

Pupils from both Llangatwg and Gowerton undertook weeks of preparation ahead of the local heat, where they were supported by mentors from Swansea University.

The schools presented to a judging panel featuring Swans vice-chairman Leigh Dineen, manager Graham Potter, club ambassador Leon Britton and head of media and marketing Jonathan Wilsher.

The pupils participated in a question and answer session with Swans goalkeeper Erwin Mulder, club ambassador Lee Trundle and Potter.

Head judge Dineen announced Llangatwg Community Comprehensive School as the winners of the local heat following their idea to target students to attend Swans matches.

He said: “We have got used to top quality, professional presentations from our schools and this was no exception. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and I expect Llangatwg to go far in the competition."

Enterprise co-ordinator Stephen said: “The competition was very exciting with the teams aiming their ideas at different target groups – both ideas were very innovative.

“The schools worked extremely hard during the build-up to the local heat and this was evident in the quality of their final presentations.

“The judges provided fantastic feedback which the team can take forward as they plan for the next round in January.”

Following the event, Swansea University’s volunteer mentors wished to profess their gratitude for being involved in the event.

Sian, who supported Llangatwg in their pitch, said: “It’s been a wonderful experience helping school children think of innovative ideas. As a mentor it’s enhanced my confidence and I feel my skills have been put to great use.”

Gowerton’s mentors, Victoria and Matthew, said: “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of such a project. We’re very proud of our team and how far they've come and would like to thank Swansea City for taking us on board.”

Congratulations to both teams for taking part, and good luck to Team Llangatwg comprising of Millie Thomas, Lowri Williams, Lauren Moore and Mia Davies, in the next stage of the competition.