UWTSD Football Celebrates League and Cup Double in Standout Season
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) Football programme has celebrated another successful year, with the men’s first team completing an impressive league and cup double.
The team secured the BUCS Western Tier 5 League title, earning promotion to Tier 4 following a strong campaign against the University of the West if England (UWE), Cardiff Medics, Cardiff University and two Bristol University teams. Throughout the season, UWTSD demonstrated consistent technical quality, tactical discipline and determination to finish as league champions.
The success continued in the BUCS Conference Cup, where UWTSD retained the trophy for the second year in succession. The team overcame Bath Spa University, Plymouth Marjon University and two Southampton University teams on their route to the final, where they faced Cardiff Medics.
In the final, UWTSD produced a memorable performance to secure a 5–1 victory and complete the league and cup double.
The achievement was built on contributions from across the squad, with captain and central defender Mathew Francis, who studies Sports Therapy; winger and midfielder Jaden Rees, who studies Primary Education; central midfielder Lucian Evans, who studies Physical Education; and attacking midfielder Kenzi Vickers, who studies Sports Management, all playing key roles throughout the campaign.
Alongside the team’s university success, several UWTSD players have continued to progress within Welsh football’s domestic league structure.
Goalkeeper Ifan Knott, a Physical Education student, has recently signed a full-time contract with Haverfordwest County. Having regularly featured on the bench for the club when he first joined UWTSD, Ifan has benefited from regular training and match opportunities through the University programme and is set to begin the new season as the club’s number one goalkeeper.
Roan Piper, a Sports Management student playing for Trefelin FC, and Owain Davies, a Sports Coaching student at Ammanford AFC, have also enjoyed significant success. Both have represented UWTSD alongside their club commitments and have achieved promotion to the Cymru Premier, the highest level of football in Wales.
UWTSD Football also continues to invest in coaching excellence. Assistant Manager Dan Kivi is currently completing the UEFA A Licence, one of the highest coaching qualifications in world football. This reflects the University’s commitment to maintaining elite coaching standards and ensuring players benefit from current, high-level coaching methodologies.
Another exciting development this year has been the delivery of half-term coaching camps, led by academy players. These camps provide valuable practical experience for student coaches while engaging young participants from the local community. The programme has also welcomed local primary schools to matches, helping to build stronger community relationships and inspire the next generation of players.
UWTSD Head of Football Rob Thomas said:
“I’m really proud of the players’ on-field performances this year. Achieving the league and cup double reflects the quality and work ethic we have at the University.
“I’m equally proud of the players’ progression within their own clubs in the FAW leagues, and of the way they have balanced the demands of their football commitments alongside their studies.
“We are already looking forward to next year’s challenge of competing in a higher league.”
The season’s achievements reinforce UWTSD Football’s growing reputation as a high-performance university football environment, supporting students to succeed academically, develop as players and progress within the wider game.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476