Actif Carmarthenshire Sports Awards is back in February
The annual Actif Carmarthenshire Sports Awards help us recognise the sporting achievements and successes of individuals, sports clubs, school teams as well as acknowledging the contribution made by dedicated coaches and hardworking volunteers who really make a difference through sport and to our communities.
Some of these represent their sport on a local, national or even international level and we want to recognise and celebrate their commitment and hard work.
The winners for each category will be revealed at the Actif Carmarthenshire Sports Award ceremony at the Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli on Thursday 20th February 2025.
The awards are organised by Carmarthenshire County Council's Actif Communities Team.
We welcome our main sponsors for these awards which is Gavin Griffiths Group for the second year in succession. Coal Bunker Glamping Pods, Coleg Sir Gar, Tinint, Alliance Leisure, TAD Builders, Cwm Gwendraeth Valley Free Range Milk, Precor Fitness Limited, Mason Bros, University of Wales Trinity St David's, Foster Wales Carmarthenshire and Castell Howell Foods sponsoring award categories. We thank them all for their continued support.
As well as the Sports Personality of the Year Award, the categories include Young Sportsman and Sportswoman, Sports Volunteer, Inspiring Young Person, Community and High Performance Sports Coach, Sports Team, Young Team and Community Club of the Year, Hall of Fame and Outstanding Services to Sport category.
Tickets for the awards ceremony can be purchased here (£10; £5 for under 18s)
Thank you to everyone who nominated an individual, team or club. Full list of all shortlisted finalists per category can be found below.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and live coverage from the Sport Awards by following Actif Sport & Leisure on Facebook, X and Instagram.
View the 2024 Finalists by category below
Sports Personality of the Year
Category sponsored by: Gavin Griffiths Group
Jessica Roberts (Cycling)
Jess has had an outstanding year, representing Great Britain in cycling at the 2024 Olympics, where she secured a bronze medal in the Women's Team Pursuit and set a new national record.
Earlier in the year, she earned a Silver in the Women's Team Pursuit and Bronze in the Elimination at the Union Europeene de Cyclisme Track Elite European Championships in the Netherlands. In February, she also secured Bronze in the Elimination at the Union Cycliste Internationale Tissot Track Nations Cup.
Jessica's achievements highlight her talent and dedication in track cycling and an excellent role model for female cyclists.
Emma Finucane (Cycling)
Emma has had an extraordinary year, clinching gold in the Team Sprint at the 2024 Paris Olympics, along with bronze medals in the Keirin and Sprint events, making her the first female Olympian in 65 years to win three medals in one Games.
As well as this, Emma won gold in the Elite Track European Championships in Sprint and also secured Silver in both the Team Sprint and Keirin. Her outstanding training and professionalism have propelled her to the top of her sport, as evidenced by her impressive results this year. Emma's accomplishments are a testament to her immense commitment and skill.
Her achievements extend to the European Championships and Nations Cup, where she secured multiple gold and silver medals.
Aled Edwards (Short Mat Bowls)
Aled had an outstanding year in short mat bowls. At the World Championships in Belfast in March, he and his Pembrokeshire teammates won all their group games, triumphed over Ireland in the semi-final, and defeated England in a thrilling final, achieving 9 wins from 9 games.
In November, Aled was part of the Welsh team at the British Isles Championships in Prestatyn, Conwy. Throughout the season, he represented his club, county, and country.
Throughout the season, he represented his club, county, and country. Aled's dedication to the sport is evident in his roles as a club coach, county selector, and country selector. His commitment and friendly attitude make him a respected figure in the sport.
Young Sportsman of the Year
Category sponsored by: Coal Bunker Glamping Pods
Gwion Williams (Canoeing)
Gwion, a dedicated 17-year-old canoe slalom athlete from Llandysul Paddlers, is ranked 1st in Wales and 5th in the UK, holding the top spot as the highest-ranked under 18 in Britain.
He competed in the 2024 World Championships in Slovakia, finishing 7th, and the European Championships in Poland, finishing 5th. At the Welsh Championships in May, he took 1st in the Junior, Under 23, and Senior categories.
Gwion was selected for the Great Britain summer team for the Junior and Under 23 World and European Championships, and serves as an inspiring role model for junior paddlers.
Jay Wilcox (Ju-Jitsu)
Jay, 14, from Llanelli is a dedicated member of Two4 Martial Arts Club and Olympus Martial Arts club competing in ju-jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. Passionate about his sport, he coaches children to share his drive for success.
Jay has competed internationally, being ju-jitsu international federation British Champion and Ne Waza British Champion at 56kg and 63kg.
In August 2024, he represented Wales at the Iinternation Mixed Martial Arts Federation in Dubai. Additionally, he placed second in the North American Grappling Association competition in London. Jay's commitment and achievements at such a young age make him a rising star in the martial arts world.
William Buckingham (Judo)
William, 19, has been a dedicated member of Sanshirokwai Judo Club, in Llanelli, since he was 4 yeas old. He has won multiple local, regional, and national titles, including being the Welsh Junior Judo Champion.
This success led him to compete at the Commonwealth Judo Championship in Malta in April this year, where he won a gold medal in his category, facing competitors from England, South Africa, Scotland, India, Ireland, and Malta.
William also earned a bronze medal in the Senior under-91kg category. Known for his motivation, competitiveness, and respect for opponents, he continues to dedicate himself to training and striving for excellence.
Young Sportswoman of the Year
Category sponsored by: Coleg Sir Gar
Megan Thyer (Ju-Jitsu)
Megan has trained in jujitsu since the age of 4 and is a member of Satori Jujitsu Club in Llanelli. This year she competed in the Welsh nationals and had a very successful competition, becoming a 2 x Welsh National Champion even though she fought up an age and weight category.
Megan was approached by Great Britain Jujitsu to be the first junior in 23 years to represent the country in an international Ju Jitsu International Federation competition.
She went on to compete in the European Championships in Belgium, coming away with a gold medal becoming European champion and the first international gold medalist for Great Britain jujitsu. Megan also competed in the Belgium Flanders open, coming away with 2 silvers.
Kloe Jones (Kickboxing)
Kloe started kickboxing at the age of four. By the time she was 9 she was competing nationally.
In February 2024, Kloe competed in the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations British nationals and became a 4 x British National Champion. This event was the qualifying event to be part of team GB for the Youth World Championships in Hungary. She competed in these world championships in August, where 3000 competitors attended. After all her hard work in Team GB training camps, Kloe came away from the competition as a 2 x world champion.
Not only is Kloe a double world champion but she also volunteers as a coach at her club to help the younger students develop skills and confidence. Kloe is an inspiration.
Maddy Harper (Kickboxing)
Maddy is a kickboxer who attends Ysgol Y Strade. In November she competed in the Kickboxing Welsh Championships and successfully defended her title, becoming a 5 x Welsh Champion.
She later travelled to San Marino, Italy in March to compete in the European Championships. Once again, defending her title and becoming European Champion.
Maddy’s final international event of the year was the World Championship in Germany, where after a tough fight in the final, she came away with a silver medal. As well as training and competing, Maddy also volunteers 3 x a week as a junior coach.
Ffion Marsh (Dancing)
Ffion, from Llanelli is a dancer. She dances in 3 different styles – street, commercial and contemporary. In June, Ffion and her team travelled to Prague to compete in the Dance World Cup. 120,000 competitors attend from 66 different countries.
Competing in the under 13 division, Ffion achieved a gold medal in street dance, a team gold in commercial whilst placing 8th individually, and a silver medal in contemporary dance.
In the run up to this competition, Ffion was training 4 hours after school every night, demonstrating just how dedicated and hardworking she is.
Disabled Sportsperson of the Year
Category sponsored by: Cwm Gwendraeth Valley Free Range Milk
Steffan James (Bowls)
Steffan a member of Dinefwr Bowls Club in Ammanford had a successful sporting season. Steffan travelled to Scotland in June for the Home Nations competition as part of the Mixed Ability Team of Para and Visually Impaired bowlers, coming third.
In July at the UK Visually Impaired Championship in Cardiff, Steffan and his team became the champions.
Madison Davies (Trampolining)
Madison, a student in Coleg Sir Gar, has been competing for a number of years in Trampolining. In September 2023, Madison competed at the Welsh Championships in three disciplines; Trampolining, Tumbling and Double Mini Trampoline, where she won gold in all 3, competing against able-bodied athletes.
Madison then travelled to Telford in October for the British Trampolining Championships, again competing against able bodied athletes, where she achieved silver in the U18s and bronze in the senior category.
To compete successfully against able-bodied athletes is a remarkable achievement.
Jimmy Staveley (Judo)
Jimmy from Drefach, is a member of Judo Swansea club and has had another successful year. In July 2024, Jimmy travelled to Birmingham to compete in the European Adaptive and Visually Impaired Championships where he won a bronze medal.
In March, Jimmy won silver at the British Judo schools Championships, held in Sheffield. The highlight for Jimmy was winning the sliver medal at the Teruko Ninagawa Cup in Japan, with the British Adaptive Team.
Jimmy was one of only fifteen judo athletes to be selected to represent Great Britain, competing in the under 65kg class.
Inspiring Young Person of the Year
Category sponsored by: Foster Wales Carmarthenshire
Evie Beggs (Netball and Swimming)
Evie Beggs, a remarkable 17-year-old from Llanelli, is is an inspiration to many pupils in her school and has progressed through the sports Ambassador programme at Ysgol y Strade, reaching the national youth panel. Her dedication extends beyond school, volunteering with Morganite netball and Llanelli ASC swimming club.
Evie's umpiring and coaching skills shine, inspiring confidence and participation in sports. Her kindness, helpfulness, and trustworthiness have made a significant impact on her community.
Balancing her studies and volunteer work, Evie embodies the spirit of dedication and passion, making her a true role model.
Max Sergeant (Football)
Max is 14 and attends Bryngwyn school. Max has a passion for football but not only is he a football player he is also the founder of a brand new under 14's team in Felinfoel, Llanelli.
Through playing local grassroots football, Max was quick to notice that there were a lack of teams for his age group, so he decided to start his own team. This would prove to be a big challenge but one Max was ready to tackle.
Having recruited the relevant coaches and gathered the sponsorship needed, the team then entered the local league and is now flourishing. Max is extremely selfless and will put the needs of the team before his own, without his intervention and his willingness to help, many young boys would be without a team. Max is in inspiration to many people and his dedication does not go unnoticed.
Teyan Burt (Swimming)
Teyan is 17 and is a volunteer at Llanelli Swimming Club. He has many active roles within the club, ranging from coaching at club sessions to officiating at competitions.
As well as these roles, he is a keen swimmer and is always on hand to help and guide other swimmers through his role of club captain which he takes very seriously. He gets great satisfaction whilst seeing his pupils progress from his swimming classes into club, and will watch them compete whenever he can.
Teyan dedicates many hours to his volunteering roles and is an integral part of the clubs success.
Sports Volunteer of the Year
Category sponsored by: Tinint
Clark Hartnell (Rugby)
Clark goes above and beyond for Llangennech RFC, even though he no longer has a child involved. As treasurer, he handles finances and arranges all fundraising efforts.
He serves as the liaison between senior and junior teams and is instrumental in organising events, including the annual fireworks night, which attracts 1,000 members. Clark also manages the weekly tuck shop supplies, coordinates trophies for presentations, oversees age-group tour funds, and organises training courses for coaches.
Despite working away all week and balancing family life, he dedicates endless time and energy to the club. A true credit to his family and the community.
Dave Pallot (Cricket)
For the past seven years, Dave has successfully led and managed all junior cricket operations at Ammanford Cricket overseeing eleven boys' teams, two girls' teams, and the All Stars programme for 4–8-year-olds.
He coordinates coaches and team managers to organise winter and summer training, league and cup fixtures, and ensures kit, membership, and first aid requirements are met. Dave also represents the junior section at club meetings and the South Wales Junior Cricket League AGM.
His dedication is vital to the largest section of the club, engaging over 140 juniors across 135 games and 360 training hours annually—equating to around 9,000 hours of activity, positively impacting community health, wellbeing, and social cohesion.
Ann Ivey (Horse Riding)
Ann has dedicated over 20 years to the Amman Valley Pony Club, serving as District Commissioner and organising weekly activities for more than 50 members of varying abilities. She champions inclusivity, ensuring every child feels valued, regardless of skill level.
Under her leadership, the club has nurtured world champions and riders representing Great Britain and Wales. Last year, Ann led a successful campaign, raising over £20,000 to support the Mounted Games team’s journey to the Horse of the Year Show.
Despite her demanding role as a full-time biology teacher and Duke of Edinburgh coordinator, Ann tirelessly contributes to the club, inspiring its members and strengthening its community.
Community Sports Coach of the Year
Category sponsored by: UWTSD
Matthew De Filippo (Weightlifting)
Matthew dedicates over 30 hours a week as a volunteer coach at Llanelli Weightlifting Academy, guiding athletes aged 8 to 50, from beginners to Commonwealth hopefuls. He champions inclusivity, introducing para powerlifting and supporting a 2026 Glasgow Games contender. Under his leadership, membership has grown from 10 to over 100 in just five years.
His Raise the Bar programme has introduced weightlifting to 370 young people, while athletes progress to Welsh and British development squads. Matthew’s coaching fosters not just physical growth but confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
With medals at national championships and lifters on international stages, Matthew has firmly placed Llanelli on the weightlifting map.
Julian Jones (Football)
Julian wears many hats at Bryn Rovers Football Club. He coaches two age groups, manages training twice a week and games, liaises with parents across 11 groups, and handles club merchandise and equipment orders.
Since starting the U5s with just four players in 2020, he’s grown the team to over 20 players at U9s and even launched Mini Rovers for kids aged 2-5. Under his leadership, the club has expanded, welcoming 140 children into the Rovers family.
Balancing a full-time job and three kids, Julian always finds time to fundraise, plan events, and ensure everyone feels part of this thriving community club.
Steffan Davies (Rugby)
Steffan is the heart of Tycroes rugby club. He’s always ready to help, whether it’s coaching, organising, or giving encouragement – and yes, shouting when needed! Thanks to Steffan, Tycroes has a flourishing ladies’ team with 40 players who are growing stronger with every match.
He also coaches the U11s, who look up to him as a role model and thrive under his guidance. Steff’s passion and commitment bring the community together, making rugby fun and empowering for everyone.
Tycroes wouldn’t be the same without him, and it’s clear how much respect and admiration he’s earned from players and coaches alike.
High Performance Sports Coach of the Year
Category sponsored by: Mason Brothers
John Holt (Cycling)
John is one of the most accomplished cycling coaches in the UK, having guided riders to over 50 British national titles, 20+ European titles, and more than 20 World Championship medals, including three Olympic medals at the Paris Games.
His dedication to nurturing young talent is unmatched, with riders like Josh, whom he coached to a Junior World Championship gold and later success with Team Ineos, where Josh claimed two British Time Trial titles, a European Time Trial title, and placed 4th at the Paris Olympics.
John also played a key role in the careers of Stevie Williams, winner of the Tour of Britain and La Flèche Wallonne, and Fin Tarlings, whom he coached to multiple national titles and three Junior Track World Championship bronzes. John’s relentless commitment to developing talent through the Welsh pathway system has set a new standard for cycling in the UK.
Euros Evans (Rugby)
Under Euros Evans’ leadership, Llandovery RFC excelled in the expanded 2023/24 Welsh Premiership, winning 22 of 24 league games and showcasing remarkable consistency. The league, featuring 13 teams including top Welsh clubs such as Cardiff, Swansea, Neath, and Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, adopted a play-off structure for the top four teams.
Navigating this demanding format required meticulous planning from Euros. He carefully managed player workloads, strategically resting key players and integrating fresh talent to maintain peak performance throughout the intense season.
His empathetic and thoughtful approach to player management was instrumental in the team’s success, ensuring they remained competitive and resilient under challenging conditions.
Shelley Pace (Gymnastics)
As Head Coach at Carmarthenshire School of Gymnastics, Shelley has transformed the tumbling program, leading gymnasts to national and international success. Her athletes have won multiple medals, including silver at the 2023 British Trampoline and Tumbling National Challenge Cup and the 2023 International Loule Tumbling Cup.
Shelley's dedication extends beyond coaching, mentoring young coaches, and balancing her professional and personal life.
Her passion, expertise, and commitment have made a significant impact on Welsh gymnastics, making her a standout candidate for this prestigious award.
Young Sports Team of the Year
Category sponsored by: TAD Builders
Team Wales, Baton Twirling
Team Wales Baton Twirling were the current National Baton Twirling Association Flag Baton Team Champions and represented Wales in Europe.
The team made up of members of Carmarthenshire clubs was the youngest team there competed against 19 countries, where they received their first international award since they started competing in 2018. Team Wales were awarded 3rd place in the National Baton Twirling Association European Majorette Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Their hard work, determination, resilience and team spirit from many hours of training every week has built confidence to compete at this level.
Bro Dinefwr U16s Girls Rugby Team
Bro Dinefwr Under 16’s Girls Rugby team became Wales National Champions in 2024. The young team were the Scarlets region representatives on the road to the principality following wins against Llandovery College, Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, Maes Y Gwendraeth, Haverfordwest High VC School and Bro Teifi.
At the regional finals in Merthyr, the team remained undefeated with hard fought victories in particular against Godre'r Berwyn and Sir Richard Gwyn Catholic School.
To achieve success nationally in 2023 is an enormous feat but to win again 12 months later as a small community driven school is incredible and is testament to how hard this group worked together.
Maes Y Gwendraeth U18s Rugby
Maes y Gwendraeth Boys Under 18’s Rugby team are Welsh National Schools Cup Uunder 18s rugby Champions. This victory was an exceptional triumph as every cup match was a "David and Goliath" scenario.
Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth won the competition for the first time in their history. Victories against Bro Morgannwg, Haverfordwest High, Stanwell and Strade in the final secured their maiden cup victory.
Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth is a small secondary school and winning the Welsh Schools Cup is a tremendous achievement given the school has never won the Under 18's competition.
Sports Team of the Year
Category sponsored by: Alliance Leisure
Ammanford Women's Cricket Team
Ammanford Cricket Women's Team, established in August 2023, marked an impressive entry into competitive cricket by winning the South Wales Women’s Indoor Cricket League in their debut season.
The team focused on skill development and featured 16 players making their cricket debuts. Remarkably, four players ranked among the top 10 batters (securing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places), and three were in the top 10 bowlers (including 1st and 2nd places).
In a league of eight teams, they played 14 games, losing only twice. Additionally, they were runners-up in the South Wales Women’s Outdoor Cricket League, further cementing their impressive season.
Llandovery RFC 1st XV
In the heart of Welsh rugby, Llandovery RFC 1st XV has achieved an extraordinary feat in the 2023-2024 season. Dominating the field, they clinched the WRU National Cup - the Indigo Premiership, and the league play-offs. This remarkable achievement has only been matched once since 2003-2004.
Under the expert guidance of Head Coach Euros Evans they won 22 out of 24 league fixtures, where the team showcased a perfect blend of youth and experience, underpinned by unwavering team spirit and loyalty. Off the field, their commitment to the community shone through as they attended Junior Drovers' events and led coaching sessions for young players.
Balancing their professional lives with rigorous training, the players' dedication and passion for rugby have been truly inspiring.
Kidwelly Town Bowls
Kidwelly Town Bowls Club reclaimed glory in 2024 by winning the League Division 1 Championship in the Llanelli & District Bowling League with an undefeated season, marking their return to the Premier Division for 2025.
Despite their 2023 relegation and the loss of key players, the Club's dedication to nurturing talent shone through, fielding a team ranging in age from 12 to 82 years old.
Additionally, the trio of Ian Davies, Keith Evans, and Kevin Royal excelled by finishing runners-up at the National Finals knock out competition in Llandrindod Wells.
Community Sports Club of the Year
Category sponsored by: Precor Fitness Limited
Llanelli Weightlifting Academy
Llanelli Weightlifting Club is open to everyone and welcoms members fgrom 8 to 50. It strives to maintain an inclusive atmosphere where over 45% of participants are female. The club runs bilingual sessions and offers opportunities for everyone, from beginners to competitive lifters, including Para powerlifting athletes.
This year, the club has focused on developing young coaches and introducing new lifters to the sport through the "Raise the Bar" programme.
With its partnership with Coleg Sir Gâr, the club has created a practical and sustainable training facility. Llanelli Weightlifting continues to offer opportunities for personal development and grassroots participation in the local area.
Clwb Seiclo Towy Riders
Towy Riders Cycling Club has been a part of the Carmarthenshire community since 2007, providing cycling opportunities for all, regardless of age, gender, ability, or ethnicity. With mixed-gender sessions and bilingual coaching, the club ensures everyone feels welcome, whether they’re new to cycling or developing their skills further.
This year, the club raised £2,182 for Wales Air Ambulance by collectively cycling 1,010 miles at Pembrey Country Park.
Offering a pathway from beginner sessions to advanced training, alongside volunteering opportunities for younger members, Towy Riders continues to make cycling accessible and enjoyable for the local community.
Llandeilo Cricket Club
Llandeilo Cricket Club is a shining example of inclusivity, community spirit, and cricketing excellence. Uniting players across generations, the club has seen grandparents and grandchildren playing side by side, with a record 58-year age gap in one team this season!
Offering opportunities for all, regardless of gender, ability, or ethnicity, the club provides cricket for players aged 4 and up, with All Stars and Dynamos programs, junior teams, and pathways to senior cricket.
This season was remarkable: under-11 girls celebrated their first festival win, and the women's team reached the Welsh Cup final, proudly earning second place in Wales. Volunteers, coaches, and members champion sustainability, inclusivity, and leadership, making Llandeilo Cricket Club a hub of inspiration for the entire community.
Outstanding Services to Sport Award
Category sponsored by: Castell Howell
Mark Jenkins (Football)
Mark, affectionately known as "Jenks," has been the driving force behind Drefach football club for over 15 years, embodying the spirit of grassroots sports.
As Chair of the Football Committee, Community Sports Club member, and Chief Groundsman, his dedication has helped transform the club into a thriving hub with over 300 players of all ages and abilities. Despite retiring from the legal profession, Mark ensures pitches are expertly maintained and safe while supporting the club’s growth.
From coaching and first aid to leading the walking football initiative, he fosters inclusivity and teamwork. His personal touch at events inspires volunteers and strengthens community bonds.
Viv Jones (Athletics)
Viv has devoted 20 years of volunteering in the road runners. She is a cornerstone of the Sospan Road Runners, excelling in leadership roles such as Vice Chairperson, Couch to 5K coach, and ambassador for events like Parkrun and Race for Life.
Her initiatives include organizing the Pembrey MT10 race, founding a workplace running group for mental health, and supporting community efforts like litter picks and food bank donations. Even during her 2023 breast cancer treatment, Viv inspired others, raised funds, and supported those affected by cancer.
Her tireless enthusiasm, resilience, and commitment embody the club’s welcoming spirit, earning Sospan Road Runners its reputation as “the friendliest running club in Wales.”
Les Williams (Rugby)
Les Williams has devoted 60 years to preserving Scarlets rugby’s 152-year legacy. Joining as a 17-year-old in 1965, he has held key voluntary roles, including editor of the award-winning matchday programme and custodian of an unparalleled historical archive.
Les’s handwritten records meticulously document match statistics, player histories, and familial connections, celebrating British & Irish Lions and international stars. He pioneered in-game analytics in the 1970s for Carwyn James and was part of the Scarlets’ Centenary celebrations.
Still active at 77, Les supports exhibitions, Sporting Memories, and club heritage projects, ensuring the Scarlets’ rich history inspires future generations.
Carmarthenshire Sporting Hall of Fame
To be announced on the evening.
-
NewsActif wins global award for member experienceFriday, 19 February 2021
-
NewsFitness developments and digital enhancementsWednesday, 10 February 2021
-
In the CommunityContinuing to connect with our NERS customersWednesday, 10 February 2021
-
NewsGrassroots heroes – this one’s for youMonday, 14 December 2020