A TASS Dual Career Accredited college in South Wales
Coleg y Cymoedd was the first Welsh further education college to receive accreditation as a TASS Dual Career site, back in 2022.
Even now, there are only a select few further education and higher education sites that are recognised as TASS Dual Career Accredited Sites. Institutes can only qualify for Tass accreditation if they demonstrate they can offer their student-athletes the flexibility they need to succeed.
At Coleg y Cymoedd we’re as committed as ever to helping our learners balance sport, education and lifestyle. We won the award for Best TASS Dual Career Site of 2025.
What is TASS?
TASS stand for Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme. It’s an athlete support programme to help talented emerging athletes balance their sport with their studies.
The goal is that they can maximise both, without compromising either.
TASS is backed by Sport England and Sport Wales.
Tass Dual Career Programme
Coleg y Cymoedd’s TASS Dual Career Programme aims to bring the best out of our country’s most exciting young sporting talents.
At the same time, we want them to realise their academic potential.
We offer our athlete learners a package of support to help them maximise their achievements in both.
Meet our amazing TASS learners
TABLE TENNIS
Toby Harwood
Studying A Levels – PE, Geography, Business and Biology.
Sporting achievements Twice U15 Welsh National Champion. Signed for club in Germany to play U19 and men’s competition. Represented Wales at European Youth Championships twice. Represented Wales at Senior European Championship qualifiers in Bosnia 2025.
Sporting ambition Represent Wales at highest level and go to Commonwealth Games.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? Being on the TASS scheme has allowed me to travel abroad to training camps or competitions without having to stress about missing college work. I can easily complete missed work online with the great support of tutors. I also have support and guidance for helping me take the next step in my table tennis and academical career.
Support received as a TASS Learner TASS has allowed me to manage my sport and table tennis timetable, it has allowed me to travel abroad to training camps and competitions without having to stress about missing college. I can complete missed work online with great support of lecturers and the TASS Dual Career advisor. I also get great support and guidance to take the next steps in my sport and academic career.
ATHLETICS
Nell Desir
Studying A Levels – Criminology, Psychology, Health and Social Care.
Sporting achievements World age record British champion. British records, Welsh champion. Welsh records. GB U18 European Championships. Selected for GB Relay Squad pathway programme.
Sporting ambition Commonwealth Games and long-term senior international.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I came to Coleg y Cymoedd because it has a good reputation and gives me flexibility. The TASS advisor has been very supportive and the college understands the need for flexibility and adaptability as well as recognising my sport and education achievements.
Support received as a TASS Learner I have received great support from lecturers and my TASS Dual Career advisor. My timetable has been adapted to allow me to train with my coach in the late afternoons and evenings. I know I can ask for advice from my TASS advisor at anytime about any aspect of my college life and personal development. I love being at CYC.
FOOTBALL
Casi Gregson
Studying BTEC Level Three Sport
Sporting achievements Competed in European Qualifiers for Wales U16 against top nations. Played over 30 age grade games for Wales in various countries. Making Wales U19 debut in European Qualifiers. Signing for Gwalia United FC.
Sporting ambition To play football at a professional level and to represent Wales at senior level. I also have an interest in football coaching and have completed various courses such as first aid, leaders award and safeguarding.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I came to Coleg y Cymoedd because it was recommended to me and once I’d visited to see and hear about the course I knew I would enjoy being here. It was also part of the Gwalia United signing that allowed me to continue my education.
Support received as a TASS Learner I benefit from the adaptability and flexibility that lets me give time to sporting commitments and demands while making sure my academic studies do not suffer. I will be living independently in private accommodation, so support with this is greatly appreciated as my TASS advisor checks on my wellbeing and lifestyle frequently. Logistical support has been brilliant.
ICE HOCKEY
Kobe Evans
Studying A levels – PE, Criminology, Psychology.
Sporting achievements Selected for Cardiff Canucks squad (Semi-professional). Making debut for Junior Cardiff Devils.
Sporting ambition To progress through the Cardiff Devils ranks and potentially get an opportunity to play in Canada or America.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? Coleg y Cymoedd offered the A levels I wanted to follow but the academic and sporting support available through TASS was a major factor. I chose to come here because I preferred the independence of the studies and I wanted to meet new people.
Support received as a TASS Learner I have had a huge amount of support with my subjects and financial support to contribute towards my club fees. I get advice on how to manage my sport and subject workload.
RUGBY
Chloe Roblin
Studying A levels – PE, Biology, Chemistry.
Sporting achievements Winning Welsh Plate with Cardiff Quins and being selected for the WRU Performance Development Centre (East).
Sporting ambition I want to become the best rugby player I can be through all aspects of the game. Rugby is a sport where I push myself to constantly work hard for my goals. I’m inspired to reach the national squad as it is a main goal of mine. I know I would have to work extremely hard and meet the demands that rugby throw at me.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I wanted to be part of a growing female rugby academy and the programme suited my needs. TASS Dual Career support allows me to complete my A levels and develop my game with lifestyle support, time management and progression in my studies and rugby.
Support received as a TASS Learner It has helped me balance my sport and academics. It provides workshops and lifestyle support. Cymoedd offers me just what I need by combining both my studies and rugby. It allows me to do the two things I am passionate about.
BASKETBALL
Seren Richards
Studying A Level – Law, Business and Maths.
Sporting achievements Represented Wales from U10 to U18, taking part in the Four Nations five times. Nominee to the GB combine squad in 2025.
Sporting ambition Compete at the highest level possible and a scholarship in America.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? It is my local college and being on the TASS programme has introduced me to other student athletes. The support as part of the programme suited my needs.
Support received as a TASS Learner Support from my TASS adviser has benefited me greatly. I have guidance and advice as well as support for my sporting commitments.
Who is eligible for TASS?
Both elite athletes and talented athletes qualify for TASS. These are the definitions of each:
What sports are included?
These are some of the sports our current and past TASS learners have participated in:
How do I apply for the TASS programme?
When you apply for a course at Coleg y Cymoedd, the application form will ask you whether you’re an elite or talented athlete and we’ll be in touch if you qualify.
Already a learner here? You can also apply at any time during your studies.
Apply now TASS 2026-2027
What Coleg y Cymoedd offers its dual career TASS athletes
These are some of the ways we support our TASS scheme athletes and offer them academic flexibility.
Access to missed notes, online support and tutor sessions.
Flexibility with timetabling where appropriate.
Flexibility with assessment deadlines and internal exam dates.
Access to a qualified Dual Career Coordinator.
Access to a Dual Career Workshop programme.
Opportunity to be involved in TASS national events.
MEET THE TEAM
Alun Davies
Performance Lifestyle and Dual Career Adviser
Alun supports all our TASS learners. Alun He is a leading accredited and qualified practitioner in the fields of:
- Personal development in sport.
- Player and athlete welfare.
Alun has more than 35 years’ experience across education, training and business change. He has more than 20 years’ experience working with elite athletes, professional players, student athletes and support staff.
Our incredible TASS alumni
NETBALL
Olivia Llewellyn
Studying: A Levels.
Sporting achievements Coleg y Cymoedd Academy, Glamorgan Valleys, USW Regional Academy, Wales National U17s.
Sporting ambition To play at the highest possible level.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I have heard how well Coleg y Cymoedd has supported and helped student athletes through TASS. Millie Carter visited Ystrad Mynach club and praised the courses.
Support received as a TASS Learner I have had a huge amount of support with my subjects, and financial support to contribute towards my club fees. I get advice on how to manage my sport and subject workload.
RUGBY UNION
Dylan Scott
Studying Level Three Sport
Sporting achievements: Cardiff RFC.
Sporting ambition: To play for Wales.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? To develop my rugby skills and to get the qualifications I need for university.
Support received as a TASS Learner I can get to see people who I can talk to when I need help.
FOOTBALL
Maia Owen
Studying Computing and IT.
Sporting achievements: FAW Academy
Sporting ambition To play football professionally.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I chose Coleg y Cymoedd because it offers a course not available elsewhere.
Support received as a TASS Learner I have had a warm welcome to both the college and my course. And as a TASS student, I have received various kinds of support inside and outside of college to help with my football.
SWIMMING
Megan-Jane Enoch
Studying: Level Three Sport.
Sporting achievements Swimming for Torfaen Dolphins and a British 2022 qualifier.
Sporting ambition To go as far as I can possibly go and be the best athlete I can be!
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? Coleg y Cymoedd have great sports facilities and are easy and fair to work with.
Support received as a TASS Learner As a TASS student athlete I have received lots of support with balancing my training and school work.
CHEERLEADING
Amelia James
Studying A Levels
Sporting achievements Coleg y Cymoedd Academy. Glamorgan Valleys. USW Regional Academy. Wales National U17s
Sporting ambition To make the top 10 in Worlds.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I felt that I would have more freedom and opportunities at Coleg y Cymoedd to get myself ready to go to university in the future.
Support received as a TASS Learner Coleg y Cymoedd TASS helps so much with balancing your work and your sport.
TABLE TENNIS
Samuel Slatter
Studying Foundation Photography.
Sporting achievements Cardiff Grand Prix Mixed Doubles Champion alongside Nancy Yeh Tsz Yan (HKG). Gemau Cymru Singles Gold, Competes Domestically For North Gwent TTC.
Sporting ambition To qualify to represent Team Wales at the Commonwealth Games. To compete in Tischtennis Bundesliga Premier, Champions League, and to receive an invitation to compete in Chinese Super League.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? Jessica Emanuel, my lecturer, has guided me from Level One, making sure I had a clear progression pathway to success. Also, since joining the college nearly four years ago, all my tutors have been supportive of not just my academic success but my sporting commitments as well.
Support received as a TASS Learner I chose Coleg y Cymoedd purely because of the supportive and knowledgeable staff as well as the great facilities.
Jessica Emanuel, my current lecturer has guided me from Level 1, making sure I had a clear progression pathway to success. Also, since joining the college nearly four years ago, all my tutors have been supportive of not just my academic success but my sporting commitments as well!
NETBALL
Mia Howells
Studying Level Three Sport.
Sporting achievements Welsh Regional Netball.
Sporting ambition Keep improving on my netball ability.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? The netball team was the motivation I needed.
Support received as a TASS Learner I’ve enjoyed the group sessions advising on how to manage my sport and academics.
DANCING
Olivia Nott
Studying Level Three Sport.
Sporting achievements English Cup Over 16s Champion, Champions of Tomorrow, Finalist Welsh Formation Championships – Vice Champion Formation Northern Masters – Rising Star Champion.
Sporting ambition To play at the highest possible level.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? My sporting ambition is to continue to compete at solo and formation championships in Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens but to go on to compete internationally.
Support received as a TASS Learner I chose to attend Coleg y Cymoedd as I was impressed by the facilities and courses that were offered, and the warm welcome I received from the course tutors.
RUGBY AND NETBALL
Brook Eltringham
Studying Hair, Make-up and Special Effects.
Sporting achievements Cardiff Netball, Vale Netball and have won over 20 first medals in Show Jumping.
Sporting ambition My sporting ambitions are to play for Wales in both sports and to be selected as a show jumper as well.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I chose Coleg y Cymoedd because it’s one of the best colleges around: the sport facilities are like no other and the course that I study is very professional and taught to a high standard.
Support received as a TASS Learner Alun Davies (TASS) has provided me with a lot of support trying to balance my sports and school work and to help manage my stress levels too!
NETBALL
Tia Higgins
Studying Level 3 Sport.
Sporting achievements Regional Academy Netball.
Sporting ambition To make the Wales squad.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? The coaches really sold the netball team to me and as I want to be a PE Teacher, the course is perfect!
Support received as a TASS Learner TASS is great – we talk about managing stress.
NETBALL
Ruby Shorney
Studying A Levels.
Sporting achievements Wales U17s Netball Academy.
Sporting ambition To play for the Welsh Feathers.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I choose Coleg y Cymoedd due to its flexibility to balance out my sporting commitments as well as my academics.
Support received as a TASS Learner TASS allowed me to change my timetable to coordinate my netball schedule with my classes. It was also able to provide me with a bus pass to get to and from college and contributed money towards my netball commitments outside of college.
NETBALL
Caitlyn Reid-Gordon
Studying: A Levels.
Sporting achievements Cardiff Dragons U19s and Welsh Colleges.
Sporting ambition To play at the highest possible level.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I have heard how well Coleg y Cymoedd has supported and helped student athletes through TASS. Millie Carter visited Ystrad Mynach club and praised the coursesColeg y Cymoedd provides the best of both worlds with me being able to complete my A Levels alongside consistent, high-quality training and a competitive netball environment.
Support received as a TASS Learner The support I’ve received in balancing my netball commitments and studies through the TASS programme has been very beneficial in maximising both avenues.
KARATE AND BOXING
Jake Akreman
Studying Plumbing Apprenticeship.
Sporting achievements For Karate, I came third in the Men’s Team Kumite World Championship – Open Weight (WSKA 2023). For Boxing, I won the junior 63 – 67kg Novice Championship.
Sporting ambition To become the best athlete I can be and to achieve as much as I can in combat sports.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? They offered the plumbing course I needed to be full qualified plumber.
Support received as a TASS Learner The TASS team provided me with a diet plan which was crucial for making weight in several of my boxing bouts, but they also offed me support in both my education and sporting endeavours.
RUGBY UNION
Dylan Barratt
Studying Level 3 Sport.
Sporting achievements Playing rugby for Cardiff. My highest achievement so far has been making Wales’ U18 training squad.
Sporting ambition To become a professional rugby player.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? It was local and had everything I needed to develop both academically and in sport.
Support received as a TASS Learner Extra help whenever I need it.
NETBALL
Amber Bates
Studying Gym Instructing.
Sporting achievements Llantwit Fardre and Cardiff Dragons U17.
Sporting ambition To play for Wales and Cardiff Dragons NSL.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? They were very supportive in my choices and have helped me in every way that they can.
Support received as a TASS Learner As a TASS student I have access to stress management and additional support managing my sport with college work. I’ve also really enjoyed attending career talks – we’re always given opportunities to grow and focus on building a better future.
KICKBOXING
Adam Devet
Studying Level 3 Sports.
Sporting achievements Team GB – Kickboxing.
Sporting ambition To become world champion.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? Chose Coleg y Cymoedd because of their amazing facilities – especially the new sport centre!
Support received as a TASS Learner I have received so much support with balancing my studies with training.
TAEKWONDO
Amelia Ellis
Studying Health and Social Care.
Sporting achievements GB Taekwondo Training Squad.
Sporting ambition To compete on the world stage and aim for Commonwealth Games Selection / Worlds.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I started on a Sports course but working with my TASS adviser it was evident that my interest and passion outside sport was in child care. The transfer across was supported as well as when I suffered a serious injury.
NETBALL
Mileta Mitchell
Studying: Level 3 Sport.
Sporting achievements Regional Wales academy, Ystrad Mynach and Glamorgan Valley County.
Sporting ambition To play for the Celtic Dragons and Wales.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? To be able to pursue my netball career within the netball academy as well as achieving my A levels with great support from staff and TASS programme.
CHEERLEADING
Libby Andrews
Studying Creative Media Production.
Sporting achievements RDS Cheerleading.
Sporting ambition: To make the top 10 at Worlds 2024.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? It had the best course for the job I want in the future.
Support received as a TASS Learner It’s great to know you are able to do the course you want and the sport you love, and being able to make them work together.
NETBALL
Gracie Langmead
Studying: A Levels.
Sporting achievements Regional Academy Netball, Glamorgan Valleys county, Cymoedd’s Female Netball.
Sporting ambition To play for a Super League team.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I chose Coleg y Cymoedd because it was a new experience and a new surrounding in netball and education.
Support received as a TASS Learner I’ve received help and support mixing my education and netball together to form a steady timetable that’s suitable for me.
FOOTBALL
Maddie Williams
Studying: Level 3 Sport.
Sporting achievements: Wales U17 European Qualifiers. Captain of Wales Colleges Rome 2023.
Sporting ambition: To become a professional footballer.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I chose it as it’s home to the Female Academy and I would be coached by ex-professional Welsh players. They offered the course I wanted too.
Support received as a TASS Learner 1-1 support and help with where to go and what to do for my next steps as a student athlete.
RUGBY UNION
Freya Inkpen
Studying: Level 3 Sport.
Sporting achievements Cardiff Blues and the Welsh Academy.
Sporting ambition: To play for Wales.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? Because of the opportunities I was given to play both of my sports and learn along side it.
Support received as a TASS Learner Alun Davies (TASS) has helped me a lot with my workload and training, especially by helping me find time to do my college work.
RUGBY UNION
Kenzie Jenkins
Studying BTEC Level Three Sport.
Sporting achievements Wales U18s, Bristol Bears academy.
Sporting ambition To play professional rugby at the highest level.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? The academy programme at the College supported me fully in my rugby and academic career.
KICKBOXING
Sam Coakley
Studying Computing and IT Level Three.
Sporting achievements Six-time WKU world gold medallist, also won a British full contact title belt.
Sporting ambition Full contact world title belt.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? Offered the best range of IT course options and the support available through the TASS programme helping me achieve now and prepare for University.
PARA SWIMMING
Rebecca Lewis
Studying Level 3 Accountancy.
Sporting achievements Commonwealth Games Birmingham Finalist.
Sporting ambition To be the best I can be and participate in a Paralympic Games.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd?It was the best fit for me and the support I receive in both my academic and sporting pursuits
RUGBY UNION
Evan Wood
Studying Level Three Sport.
Sporting achievements Captain of Coleg y Cymoedd, Wales U17 and Wales U18 caps.
Sporting ambition To play at the highest level I can achieve.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? It is a college which allows me to continue my rugby aspirations playing at the best level at this age getting exposure to high quality coaching, and still be able to get my education done at the same time. To support my progress to university.
RUGBY UNION
Harrison Rock
Studying A Levels.
Sporting achievements Cardiff U18s and Wales U18s squad.
Sporting ambition To enjoy my rugby and go as far as I possibly can.
Why Coleg y Cymoedd? I aim to progress to University to study Veterinary Science and CYC was the best option for me to study alongside playing at a college academy programme. Receiving TASS status was a great achievement for me and the support I have had has been the best.
Aberdare
Wellington Street
Aberdare
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF44 8EN
Nantgarw
Heol y Coleg
Parc Nantgarw
Cardiff
CF15 7QY
Rhondda
Llwynypia
Tonypandy
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF40 2TQ
Ystrad Mynach
Twyn Road
Ystrad Mynach
Hengoed
CF82 7XR
