Ceredigion Reporters Project
Cered: Menter Iaith Ceredigion, in partnership with the radio station Cymru Sport, have collaborated on the Ceredigion Reporters Project.
The aim of the project is to give young people the opportunity to comment on live football matches through the medium of Welsh in Aberystwyth, for Aberystwyth Women's Football Club in the Genero Adran Premier and Aberystwyth Men's Football Club in the Cymru Premier during the 2023/24.
Gareth Roberts, Lily-May Welsby and Caiomhe Pennant from Ysgol Penweddig are the individuals who have been involved in the project and commentated on a number of live games in the 2023/24 season. Caiomhe said: “I've gained a lot of confidence commenting on the radio, it’s been fantastic.”
Gareth added: “I've developed my communication and research skills through commentary.”
Lily agreed, adding: “I've had a lot of experience doing this and it's great if you want to have a career in the commentary field.”
Following the success of this years project, Cered will continue with the Young Sports Reporters Plan Project for the 2024/25 football season and are looking to expand and commentate on other club matches in Ceredigion.
On 19 September at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Cered and Cymru Sport will hold a commentary workshop 'Behind the Mic' with the professional commentator from Sgorio, Mei Emrys. It is a free event for young people aged between 14-19 years old.
Rhodri Francis from Cered said: “This is the second year we have undertaken the project and it has proven to be very successful with young people who have taken part. I would like to thank Aberystwyth Town Council for the financial support towards the Young Sports Reporters Scheme Project for the 2024/25 season and to Aberystwyth Town Football Club for working in partnership with us in giving this unique and amazing opportunity allowing young people of the area to commentate on their games.”
Councillor Catrin M S Davies, Ceredigion County Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Culture, said: "Every opportunity to promote the Welsh language and couple it with entertainment, leisure activities and socialising is a fundamental cue for all language initiatives. This project shows young people that the language is alive and at the core of sport in Wales and it's great to hear about local young people who are keen to develop skills in sports journalism. A large number of Ceredigion accents can be heard on the BBC and other channels commenting on all sorts of sports - and it's good to know there are those preparing to do so in the future!"
For more details about the workshop on 19 September, email Cered@ceredigion.gov.uk