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The Football Academy

The college Merthyr Tydfil caters for youth footballers 16-19. The coaching is inclusive and accessible to all, and student athletes can access the programme studying any area of the learners choice. Student athletes accessing the football programme will train and play at Merthyr Town Football Club, and they will have access to professional league standard facility. The programme has a wonderful legacy of learners accessing prestigious universities to continue their educational and career development. The college has supported and developed talented players in gaining international honours with Welsh Colleges Schools and the Boys Club of Wales programme. Former alumni in our female programme include Gemma Evans and Chloe Lloyd.

  • Twice crowned Welsh Colleges Male category 3 League Champions on two occasions.
  • Have reached the last 8 of British Colleges AOC Knockout Cup on several occasions.
  • Many players accessing senior football in the semi-professional game and Ardal Welsh Leagues.
  • Consistent representation in Welsh Schools, colleges and Boys Club of Wales squads.
  • Former learners accessing prestigious universities.
  • Former alumni are working in high performance sport and professional clubs as coaches or support staff.

There are no restrictions on accessing the academy, games and training. Training schedules are fitted around all subjects, so there is no barrier to accessing the football programme. Learners are encouraged to access sports and enrichment opportunities, and effective pastoral support is issued to ensure they remain model student athletes.

All games and training will be held at Merthyr Town Football Club, and this is a professional ground with wonderful facilities and history. 

The coaching programme is headed up by David Haggett who has experienced playing in the professional game. David has vast coaching experience with over twenty years coaching experience at Cardiff City, and may sides in the Welsh League pyramid.

Players will compete in the AOC category 3 East League. Players also take part in the Welsh Schools Cup and AOC Knockout competitions. 

  • The College Merthyr Tydfil is a subsidiary to the University of South Wales and there are great transition opportunities available to athletes.
  • The college has created positive links with Merthyr Town Football Club, where we share their wonderful facilities.
  • The Sport, Employment, training, and upskilling programme (SETUP) is done in conjunction with Active Merthyr, in order to provide employability and training opportunities for learners.

In The Spotlight

Two outstanding student athletes from the college have been selected for Welsh Colleges Football squad. Tye Duggan and Josh Jones both attended trials in Aberystwyth, and were successful in the selection process.

Both players represented Welsh Colleges against England Independent Schools at St Georges Park on December 14th 2022. This is a great achievement for both players, and to be part of the squad in two successive seasons is a testament to the consistency and high standards that they bothset themselves. Tye is also hopeful of making the Welsh Schools squad
as he qualifies for under 18s, and the squad are going to compete in a highly prestigious competition in Rome later in the year.

Tye stated:

““My two years at the college were excellent, and I am extremely grateful for everything my coach David and my tutors done for me. David developed my game massively, and I am grateful for all his support and effort. This support helped me get in the Welsh Colleges and Schools teams and I had the chance to play in the Victory Shied and the Roma Capa Mundi tournaments. The memories and success of these tournaments are something I’ll be grateful for. Going to these tournaments resulted in me missing lots of time off college and tutors were always helpful in supporting my football and ensuring I caught up with my Public Services work. Anyone thinking of Merthyr College should definitely go, as the football programme is excellent and you get well looked after and supported. The teaching staff do the same, and go above and beyond for everyone. “

Oliver Greenway

“The football academy was a great experience and our coach David Haggett created a professional culture. In my two years at the college, I gained a lot from David, and have exercised a lot of his methods and practices in my own coaching. The opportunities on my sports course like gaining coaching awards, coaching in local school and working with college partners have opened up many opportunities. In the last two years, I have gained paid work with Jamie Morgan Soccer, Swansea City Elite Centres and with the Enhanced Football Coaching Company. My relationship with the college will continue to strengthen as I am returning as a coaching intern as part of my Sports Coaching and performance course.”