Actif Carmarthenshire Sports Awards 2025: Finalists Announced

Category sponsored by: Cycle Champs

Lucy Francis (Netball & Hockey)

Lucy is an exceptional 18-year-old pupil at Bro Dinefwr whose passion for sport and leadership makes her a true inspiration. As a Gold Young Ambassador and a newly appointed member of the Youth Sport Trust National Panel, she uses her platform to champion youth voice.

She helps deliver netball sessions for Year 7–11 pupils, motivating young people to get active and enjoy sport. Lucy also inspires the next generation through her local hockey club, where her dedication has helped grow participation.

Her commitment, energy, and ability to uplift others make her a standout role model and a deserving recipient of recognition this evening.

Sophie Regan (Rugby & Bowls)

Sophie is an outstanding young person whose dedication and energy shines in everything she does. Even while proudly representing Wales in Bowls, she continues to inspire others and sparks enthusiasm wherever she goes.

Her leadership in ALN rugby and bowls sessions has created exciting, inclusive opportunities that young people truly embrace. As a dynamic member of the YST Sports Panel, she champions positive change and encourages others to get involved. Through her passion and commitment, Sophie has boosted participation and transformed opportunities across Bryngwyn School and the wider community.

Her impact is exceptional and deserves to be celebrated.

Cerys Jenkins-Greene (Netball)

At just 15, Cerys is a powerhouse of passion, leadership, and determination. As a dedicated coach with Dreigiau'r Gwendraeth, she pours countless hours into planning creative, high-energy sessions that keep young athletes motivated and excited to learn.

Her influence doesn’t stop there—Cerys also shines as a Gold Young Ambassador for Maes y Gwendraeth, inspiring others to get active and embrace sport with confidence. Her enthusiasm is infectious and her commitment unwavering.

Cerys isn’t just impressive for her age—she’s an exceptional role model whose brilliance continues to elevate everyone around her.

Category sponsored by: TAD Builders

Ysgol Bro Myrddin (Rugby)

Bro Myrddin’s 1st XV enjoyed an exceptional 2024/25 season, achieving success at regional and national levels.

They finished runners-up in the WRU West Wales U18 Premier League, won the West Wales Schools U18 Cup, and claimed the ultimate prize — the WRU Champions of Champions Cup at the Principality Stadium, defeating Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni. Alongside team triumphs, 14 players were selected for Scarlet’s age-grade squads (U16, U17, U18), highlighting the program’s strength in developing talent.

Combining competitive success, national recognition, and outstanding player development, Bro Myrddin’s 1st XV exemplifies excellence and teamwork, making them a truly deserving award nominee.

Llandeilo Youth RFC (Rugby)

Llandeilo Youth RFC has enjoyed an extraordinary season, winning the WRU National Youth Cup at the Principality Stadium, the Scarlets Youth Cup, and both the Carmarthenshire Youth Cup and League — completing a clean sweep for the second consecutive year.

Across 20 games, they recorded 18 wins, one draw, and just one loss, following an unbeaten 2024 season. Coached by a dedicated volunteer, this squad of local players has shown elite commitment, resilience, and sportsmanship, mentoring younger teammates and supporting each other on and off the pitch.

With seven major titles in two years, they’ve set a benchmark for Welsh youth rugby.

Alexander Evans & Ava Fletcher (Dancing)

Alexander (11) and Ava (10), a talented Juvenile Ballroom and Sequence Dance partnership from Llanelli, have enjoyed an exceptional year. They won the British Modern Sequence Championship, the DPA UK Classical Sequence title, and topped the National League in two categories.

Their success continued internationally at the Blackpool Festival of Dance, where they captained Wales in a team match against England, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Alongside multiple national titles, they also claimed the All England Boy/Girl Championship and Welsh Sequence Championship.

Dedicated and inspiring, they train five times a week, support their community, and mentor younger dancers.

Category sponsored by: Coal Bunker Glamping Pods

Oliver McCabe (Shooting)

Oliver is a young athlete whose dedication and talent have made him a leading figure in 10m air rifle shooting. He is the Junior Men’s 10m Air Rifle Champion and is currently ranked the Number 1 Junior in Wales, 2nd Junior in Britain, and 8th overall in Britain across all ages.

He also holds the Welsh Junior Men’s Record and stands 3rd among all male shooters in Wales, proving his ability beyond the junior level.

Oliver’s skill and commitment have earned him places on both the Welsh Performance Pathway and the British Talent Pathway, prestigious programmes supporting top UK shooting talent.

Ashwin Yoganathan (Judo)

Ashwin, a proud student of St Michael’s School and dedicated member of the Samurai Olympic Judo Club, is an exceptional young athlete whose passion and discipline set him apart. A dominant force on the mat, he holds the titles of British Champion, Welsh Champion, and Welsh Open Champion.

Ashwin represents Great Britain on the international stage and competes for Wales in major national team events. At the 2025 British National Teams competition, he was the only male competitor to win every contest.

His growing international journey has taken him to Denmark, Belgium, France, Poland, and beyond, showcasing his remarkable talent and ambition.

Kaden Dix-Thomas (Judo)

At just 12 years old, Kaden has already made an impressive mark in judo. This season, he claimed gold at the Welsh Schools Championships and bronze at the Minor British Championships, alongside gold at the Bedminster National Championships and bronze at the Dragon Academy Open.

Selected for the Welsh Squad, Kaden also earned his club’s Judoka’s Choice Award, recognising his commitment, teamwork, and respect. Training with focus, humility, and determination, he consistently supports his teammates and exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship.

Remarkably, he is the first Carmarthen Judo Club member in 30 years to win a British medal. 

Category sponsored by: Coleg Sir Gar

Darcy Coslett (Athletics)

Darcy Coslett is one of Britain’s most exciting young sprint talents, representing Wales and the Team GB pre-age group squad. A record-breaking athlete, she is the British U17 400m Indoor Champion and the British all-time U17 record holder, achieving her landmark performance at just 15.

Darcy ranks 1st in Europe and 3rd in the world for the U17 indoor 300m and holds nine Welsh records across sprint events.

A Welsh and English champion, team captain, and committed scholar-athlete, Darcy’s drive, leadership, and international success highlight her as an exceptional nominee with the ambition to compete professionally for Great Britain.

Imogen Coslett (Rhythmic Gymnastics)

Imogen is an exceptional athlete from Bryngwyn Comprehensive School and Llanelli Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy. A dedicated gymnast who trains six days a week, she has represented Great Britain at the Portimao International in the Junior category, placing as first reserve for the finals.

She is the current Welsh Rhythmic Gymnastics National Elite Junior Champion, a title she has held for five consecutive years. Imogen also claimed a national silver medal in the Junior Hoop event at the British Gymnastics Championships in Telford.

With nine years on the Welsh Squad and success at both national and international level, she continues to excel through commitment and passion.

Thea Taylor (Ju-Jitsu)

Thea Taylor is an exceptional young athlete from Ysgol y Bryn and a dedicated member of Satori Ju-Jitsu Academy, where she trains five days a week. Her passion, discipline, and sportsmanship have driven remarkable achievements in 2025.

At the Great Britain Jujitsu Nationals, she won gold in both U12 JJIF Fighting and U12 JJIF Ne-Waza. She repeated this success at the Welsh Jujitsu Nationals, taking gold in both disciplines. Internationally, Thea earned silver in U12 Fighting and bronze in Ne-Waza Ground-fight at the Flanders Open in Belgium.

Her resilience, respect, and positive attitude make her a true role model.

Category sponsored by: Precor Fitness Limited

Steffan James (Bowls)

Steff had another successful season.

At the European Visually Impaired Mixed Pairs Bowls Championships in Ayr, Scotland the pair were champions, who beat Scotland, Ireland and Israel in the group stage and beat Scotland in the final this was followed up by competitions in Llandrindod Wells and Leamington Spa, UK Championship, the Welsh team Steff was part of played 2 games vs Scotland, 2 against England and 2 against Ireland.

Steff was the only bowler selected to play in all the games.

Lowri Philpott (Swimming)

Lowri is a member of Llanelli Swimming Club, at the Aquatics GB Para Winter in Sandwell Aquatics Centre, U13 female Multi Class 200m Freestyle Lowri became British Champion.

At the Welsh Easter National Long Course Championships 2025, 400m Freestyle 14-15 years Lowri became the Welsh Champion at the same competition in the 50 Breaststroke - open age group, Lowri became Welsh Champion.

Her selection for the Swim Wales Performance Foundations Squad for the 2025/26 season is a testament to her hard work, consistency, and determination to excel at the highest level.

Jimmy Staveley (Judo)

Jimmy's sport is judo, and he competed in the European Adaptive Open Judo Championships in Venray, The Netherlands in November 2024 where he became European Adaptive Open Judo champion.

At the British Regional Schools Championships Jimmy competed in mainstream event which he won. At the Swansea half marathon, he finished in 1hr 47mins to improve his stamina and fitness for his judo competitions. Jimmy takes on challenges and competes in both Mainstream and Adaptive events representing Great Britain around Europe.

He’s a ferocious competitor and gives 100% to every event and sport undertaken. He’s part of Coleg Sir Gar Elite Performer Programme.

Category sponsored by: Alliance Leisure

Johnstown Ladies Football Team

Johnstown Ladies Football Team has had a remarkable season in which they finished top of the league and won the divisional cup.

Competing in the West Wales Women’s and Girls’ League (4th tier of Welsh Football) they have now achieved promotion to the 3rd tier. Additionally, they won the West Wales Women’s and Girls’ Division A Cup winning the final at Briton Ferry.

To cap off an excellent season in their regional divisions, they also reached the last 16 of the Bute Energy Cup and were the lowest ranked team left standing in this national competition.

Teigrod Tywi Ladies Hockey Team

Teigrod Tywi Ladies Hoci formed for the 2024/25 season and had an absolutely dream debut season by winning every game and being crowned League Champions (South Wales Division 5). They kept 13 clean sheets showing incredible defence.

As if that weren’t enough, the ladies also won the division 4/5 cup and defeated the champions, from the league above, in the final. They have merged junior players with new recruits and welcomed ladies back to the sport after lengthy breaks from competition.

Their inclusive nature and 40-year age-span sums up community sport at its best. Da iawn merched!

Wildboar Centurions Cricket Club

Wildboar Centurions Cricket Club is a fantastic example of an inclusive and forward-thinking sports club. In their short history, they have achieved tremendous success including 4 promotions in 5 years within the South Wales Cricket Association.

This year has been another good year where they were promoted yet again and reached the final of the Midweek 100 where they lost narrowly to Bronwydd CC. They achieved maximum batting bonus points making them fun and exciting to watch. Three players also achieved representative honours representing South Wales in its centenary game.

The club encourages and celebrates diversity in every sense. 

Category sponsored by: Tinint

Kim Galbraith (Swimming)

Kim is a parent volunteer for Llanelli Swimming Club, playing an essential role in managing competition entries and coordinating officials, referees, and judges.

Her organisation and reliability are central to the club’s ability to run two licensed open meets each year, giving swimmers valuable competitive opportunities. Kim’s commitment doesn’t stop at Llanelli, she generously offers her time to neighbouring clubs, regularly officiating at their meets to help ensure competitions across the region.

Her ongoing support strengthens the wider swimming community and reflects her passion for creating opportunities for all athletes.

Lauren Williams (Netball)

Lauren, the founder of Merched Myrddin, created the club to give women who are new to netball or returning after years away, a supportive and welcoming place to get active.

Her vision centres on increasing women’s participation in sport and breaking down barriers that often prevent women from joining in. Lauren has been instrumental in securing grants, developing opportunities, and driving the club’s growth. Her commitment to promoting the importance of women staying active has empowered many to re-engage with sport, build confidence, and form new friendships.

Through her leadership, Merched Myrddin continues to make a positive impact on women’s wellbeing and community involvement.

Delyth Edwards (Special Olympics)

Delyth, dedicated Vice Chair and Fundraiser for Special Olympics Sir Gar, devotes an extraordinary amount of time and effort to every non-coaching aspect of the club.

She works tirelessly to create the best social opportunities for athletes, ensuring they always feel safe, secure, welcomed, and happy. For over 15 years, she has supported the club with unwavering commitment, volunteering at every session and taking on countless behind-the-scenes tasks.

Whether she is organising events, cleaning up, or offering support to parents, coaches, and athletes, Delyth’s hard work and dedication is the backbone of the club.

Category sponsored by: Conquer Sportswear

Llandybie Tennis Club

Carmarthenshire’s 106-year-old tennis club continues to thrive as a welcoming, ambitious, and community-driven hub. Named Tennis Cymru’s Club of the Year 2025, the club brings together players of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds—from 4-year-olds to members in their seventies.

With affordable access, diverse membership, and a vibrant mix of coaching, competitive play, and social events, the club champions inclusivity and wellbeing. A major highlight this year was raising £8,500 for the Sir Gareth Edwards Cancer Charity through a 24-hour Tennisathon.

Supported by dedicated volunteers and newly refurbished courts, the club remains at the heart of local sport and community life.

Evolve Weightlifting Academy

Evolve Weightlifting Club is a community-driven, inclusive space where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are empowered through strength.

Known for its supportive atmosphere, the club champions female participation, running dedicated women-and-girls’ sessions that break down barriers and build confidence. Its structured youth pathways guide young lifters from their first session to long-term development, while adaptable coaching ensures accessibility for those with disabilities or additional needs.

With upgraded facilities, expanding programmes, and strong volunteer support, Evolve promotes both physical and mental wellbeing. Above all, it prides itself on a diverse, welcoming community united by empowerment, progress, and belonging.

Llanelli Weightlifting Academy

This club is built on a supportive, welcoming atmosphere where everyone—children and adults alike—can discover a passion for weightlifting.

With dedicated volunteer coaches, tailored programmes, and regular training opportunities, members of all ages and backgrounds receive expert guidance in an inclusive environment. The club promotes weightlifting from age seven upwards, offering free introductory sessions for children, minis weightlifting campaigns, and a range of adult classes.

Continually investing in new equipment and athlete development, the club supports members from first lift to competition level, championing accessibility, encouragement, and community across every aspect of the sport.

Category sponsored by: University of Wales, Trinity St David

Matthew De Filippo (Weightlifting)

Matthew De Filipo plays an extraordinary role at Llanelli Weightlifting Academy, where he volunteers over 30 hours each week to deliver structured, high-quality coaching for children, adults, beginners, competitive lifters and para-athletes.

He leads almost every session, writes tailored training programmes, supervises open-gym hours and prepares and accompanies athletes for competitions across the UK and internationally. Matthew also mentors young lifters, develops future coaches and runs free programmes that have introduced hundreds of children to weightlifting.

His commitment to technical excellence, athlete wellbeing and community inclusion has transformed the gym into a thriving environment where people grow in skill, ambition and confidence.

Carl Holding (Cricket)

Carl Holding is a highly respected Level 3 coach and the driving force behind Carmarthen Wanderers’ thriving junior section. Overseeing 12 boys’ and girls’ teams aged 5–19, he coordinates a year-round coaching programme, leading indoor winter training and outdoor summer sessions while mentoring newly qualified coaches.

His commitment is exceptional, dedicating around 5 hours each week in the winter and more than 20 in the summer. Carl also coaches the club’s unbeaten U10s, who were recently crowned South Wales Junior Cricket League champions.

Under his leadership, participation has grown, pathways have strengthened and numerous juniors — including several girls — have achieved regional and national recognition.

Gemma Slater (Netball)

Gemma Slater is an exceptional netball coach whose dedication has transformed opportunities for young people across Ysgol Dyffryn Aman and Treforus Netball Club. She coaches every day of the school week, giving up lunchtimes and after-school hours to run inclusive, high-quality sessions for pupils of all ages.

Alongside this, she leads multiple weekly club sessions, supporting everyone from beginners to county athletes, while still competing herself at Division One level.

After successfully relocating Treforus Netball Club to Ammanford, Gemma has built one of the region’s fastest-growing clubs, developing five adult teams, nine junior squads and a strong volunteer workforce through her leadership, passion and expertise.

Category sponsored by: Mason Brothers

Shelley Pace (Gymnastics)

Shelley Pace leads the development of the Carmarthenshire School of Gymnastics’ tumbling programme, identifying talented gymnasts from age six and guiding them toward elite, international-level competition.

Coaching 20 hours weekly, she also dedicates weekends to championships, Welsh Foundation Squad training, and Home Nations camps across the UK. As a Welsh Tumbling Coach, she accompanies athletes to major international events.

Often working seven-day weeks, Shelley provides technical, physical and emotional support for up to 21 young gymnasts, designing demanding programmes, managing injury risks, and building mental resilience. Her commitment to athlete development is exceptional.

Chris Rooke (Rugby)

Chris Rooke has transformed Llandeilo RFC Youth into one of Wales’s most successful rugby teams, winning every major competition across 2023–25, including two Welsh National Youth Cups and 37 wins from 38 matches.

His coaching blends rigorous analysis, using self-funded Veo and GPS data alongside innovative tools like AI voiceovers and TikTok highlights. Chris emphasises respect, inclusion and equal opportunity, rotating players and mentoring younger athletes. His influence extends beyond trophies, shaping disciplined, humble and community-minded players.

Through exceptional dedication, modern methods and strong values, he has built a high-performance culture that inspires pride throughout Llandeilo and sets new standards in Welsh youth rugby.

Daniel Huxtable (Martial Arts)

Daniel Huxtable has trained in kickboxing and karate since age six, competing worldwide for Team Wales.

Now a Head Coach for all Welsh mat disciplines, he leads over 80 students across 10 clubs, designing tailored programmes and analysing fights to support their progress. His guidance has helped students win major world, national and local titles. Dedicated to coaching, mentoring, refereeing and teaching ages 4 to over 50, he is especially skilled at supporting students with additional needs.

Daniel inspires others through his passion and commitment to giving young martial artists life-changing experiences.

Category sponsored by: Castell Howell

John Davies (Rugby)

John Davies is a long-serving volunteer at Athletic Rugby Club, dedicating around 35 years to supporting players from youth level to the current 1st team. Between September 2024 and August 2025, he continued to run the line every week, at 71 years old and in all-weather.

As a respected linesman and committee member, John offers consistent encouragement, fosters team spirit, and represents the club positively on social media.

His unwavering commitment, reliability, and lifelong support make him an invaluable presence and a key figure within the club community.

Category sponsored by: Gavin Griffiths Group

Amelia Dawber (Taekwondo)

Amelia Dawber, from Capel Dewi, is an outstanding Taekwondo athlete. In 2024–25, she became European Champion at the International Taekwondo Federation European Open and earned a Bronze medal at the World Championships in Glasgow after achieving her black belt.

Amelia also dominated the British Championships with three gold medals and represented Southampton at BUCS, claiming the Individual Champion title.

As President of the University Taekwondo Association and a member of the UK Student National Squad, Amelia combines elite performance with leadership, inspiring others through her dedication and passion for the sport.

Jac Morgan (Rugby)

Jac Morgan, from Brynamman, is one of Welsh rugby’s brightest stars. His crowning achievement this year was earning selection for the prestigious British & Irish Lions 2025 tour to Australia, confirming his status among the elite in world rugby.

He also captained Wales in the Six Nations, setting a record 88 tackles, and led the Ospreys with distinction, scoring a crucial European Champions Cup try and winning “Player of the Season.”

Loyal, grounded, and proud of his Carmarthenshire roots, Jac is an inspiring role model for the next generation.

Andrew Jones (Triathlon)

Andrew Jones, a dedicated triathlete from Carmarthenshire, represents Wales and Great Britain at the highest level. In 2024, he competed at the iconic Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, and secured a podium finish at the international T100 Triathlon in London.

Throughout 2025, Andrew achieved multiple podiums in the Welsh Triathlon Series and National Championships, alongside victories such as first place at the Sailfish International Swim in Lanzarote.

With over 15 Ironman completions worldwide and a sporting background spanning swimming and rugby, Andrew combines elite performance with humility and mentorship, inspiring athletes across the community.