PERS. INFORMATION

CLUB HISTORY

• The New Saints FC | Youth – 2022
• Cardiff Metropolitan University FC | 2021 (loan)
• Cardiff Metropolitan University FC | 2022 – …

INTERVIEW

Introduce yourself…

I am a 23 year old attacker who currently plays for Cardiff Met. I have just graduated with a first class degree in Sports Management at Cardiff Met and going on to do a Masters in Business Administration.

You came through the youth system at The New Saints — what was that experience like for you as a young player trying to break into senior football?

The experience as a younger player was an exciting but daunting one. It was my first taste of men’s football and even though I had the technical ability, there were many differences and challenges I faced in men’s football compared to academy football. The physicality and intensity was significantly increased and took a lot of adapting to.

How did your time at TNS help you understand positioning, off-the-ball movement, and link-up play — the finer details of attacking football?

Being at TNS meant I had some great role models to learn from, whether that was coaches or players who had played at a higher level and had great knowledge and experiences to share. I also had coaches who would put on extra sessions to help further understand different aspects of the games including the attacking and defensive sides.

Before signing permanently in 2022, you had a chance to spend time at Cardiff Met — what were your first impressions of the club’s culture, setup, and expectations?

My time on loan at Cardiff Met was invaluable. I had the mixture of training in a full-time environment alongside playing in a part-time team where players had commitments outside of football. The expectations for me from Cardiff Met was to come in and try to use my ability to help the team whilst also gaining experience of playing in a men’s team.

Loan or trial spells can be make-or-break moments for young players. What did you learn about yourself as a player and a person during that period?

I learnt that coming into a new team that I had to adapt to their style of play and how they operate. Every club has their own way of playing and operating and I had to make sure I was on board with that to get the most out of the loan spell. As a person, I met a new group of players and staff and got to learn new knowledge and understand how part-time players manage their commitments.

You joined Cardiff Met in July 2022 after developing at The New Saints academy. What attracted you to the club’s unique model of combining higher education with top‑level football?

When I didn’t get offered a new contract at TNS, I knew that I wanted to further my education to make sure I had a back-up option if football didn’t work. I looked around at different options but Cardiff Met was the best option with knowing what they offer and already having relationships with players and staff and the football club.

The Cymru Premier is physically demanding. How have you adapted your body, mindset, and prep to compete week in, week out?

The physicality of the Cymru Premier was the biggest challenge for me. I knew that if I wanted to be successful in the league that I would have to get stronger and sharper. My mindset was always there but I had to increase my gym work and work closely with the Strength and Conditioning staff to make sure I was physically ready to player week in week out. 

Cardiff Met has a strong university culture and a tight-knit squad. How does being part of that community affect your football and off‑pitch life?

Cardiff Met is well-known for having a good culture and this is why they continue to perform each season. I believe everyone at the club understands that it is important to work hard on the pitch but also socialise off the pitch and get to know everyone.

You’re still young but already a key player. Are you stepping into leadership roles—on the pitch or by example in training?

Being at Cardiff Met for 4 seasons now, I have naturally became one of the more experienced players in the squad and this comes with the responsibility of leading by example. Still being young myself does make this challenging but everyone at the club wants to do well and it comes naturally to me to try and encourage individuals to strive for their best. 

Looking ahead to the next Cymru Premier season, what moment or milestone would you like fans to remember you for?

Having played in Europe before, I would love nothing more than to play in it again. Cardiff Met have fell short the last few years so to get the club into Europe would be amazing for everyone involved. On a personal note, I would like to continue to contribute towards goals and assists and attempt to increase my numbers.