When Tom Pritchard was appointed by Haverfordwest County Chairman Rob Edwards to take on the role of Media Officer, it was an inspired choice because Tom has all the major credentials – he loves his sport at both local and national levels, and has a first-class honours degree in Sports Journalism.
 
24-year-old Tom is Neyland born and bred, where he plays as an opening bowler for Neyland Cricket Club, and also follows the fortunes of the town’s football and rugby teams – as well as following all national and international sport with interest.
 
He has had full support from his parents Michaela and Mark Pritchard, plus sisters Bethan and Elinor, whilst his No 1 fan is undoubtedly his grandfather Graham ‘Charlo’ Charles, who follows Tom at every cricket match and has encouraged him from the outset.

 

Very keen cricketer with Neyland

 
Tom started out in Neyland Junior Cricket under the guidance of Martin Jones and Sean Hannon, and since starting in senior cricket he has already claimed 6 for 25 in a league game against Carew for the first team, as well as taking seven wickets for the second string against Haverfordwest in the Alec Colley Cup last season.
 
“I was delighted to help the seconds win the Alec Colley last season, where we beat a very strong Cresselly side after we had built up a huge lead, but they fought back really well in the second innings.
 
“Another very proud moment for me came when I was part of the Pembrokeshire under-16 team to win the Welsh Cup final by beating hot favourites Gwent at Ynysanghard Park in Pontypridd, with players like Scott Jones (captain), Kurtis Marsh, Geraint Jones and Jacob Knox also involved.”
 
He has also played a lot of cricket for Neyland in the indoor form of the game this season, and helped the team to do well across the board with his ability to take wickets regularly and bat sensibly when the chance has arisen.


 

Took over from the Jordans

 
Moving on to his role as Media Officer, Tom took over the reins after Jordan Griffiths had done a terrific job in the first year, but his work took him elsewhere, and then Jordan Jones, who Tom had worked with at Welsh domestic football news website Y Clwb Pêl Droed, came and went so Tom was given the chance and has grasped it with both hands.
 
He works three days a week, but that suits Tom because after doing so well with his BA in Sports Journalism, he is now working at achieving a Master of Arts in Sport Broadcasting from Cardiff Metropolitan University, which he will finish next month.
 
Tom has to produce press releases for the club’s items of note, like the recent resignations of Wayne Jones (manager) and Sean Pemberton (coach), plus the big news of the appointment of Nicky Hayen as manager, alongside his excellent first video interview with the new manager, who hails from Belgium.
 

Nervous to start but now in the swing of things

 
“I must admit I was a bit nervous about it,” Tom told us, “But I was pleased with the way it went out on our media pages. I also have to announce the news of new signings like Ryan George and Jordan Davies, plus the returning Corey Shephard – and most recently the good news of talented teenager Iori Humphreys signing his first professional contract.
 
“On match days I announce the teams before kick-off and provide details during the matches of goals scored, yellow and red cards, substitutions and anything needed to be announced at half-time, and although I must admit that at the start it wasn’t my favourite job, I know it is important to keep supporters informed and I am beginning to feel more confident as time goes on.
 
“Another key part of my job when games are in progress is to update the ‘Comet’ system so that football fans from around the world can log on and find out all this information – and it is amazing how many use the facility, from literally all around the world!”





 

Now has a wider range of roles

 
Tom is also involved with Community Manager Wyndham Williams in encouraging community participation on a whole range of projects like walking football, football memories and a range of issues like loneliness and mental health.
 
“The remainder of my week is taken up by my part-time role at Achieve More Training, who are primarily based in north Wales, but recently announced a partnership with Haverfordwest County which sees the clubhouse – and more specifically the Bluebirds Suite - act as a Professional Learning Centre for South Wales.
 
“My role with the company is Digital Marketing Officer, which requires me to post new apprenticeship vacancies to the website, share them on our various social media platforms and also being involved in campaigns to encourage people leaving education to take up an apprenticeship.”
 
Chat to Tom Pritchard, even for a short while, and it is easy to see his enthusiasm for his new roles, which he carries out in the quiet, positive manner that is very much part of his personality – and we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk can say with confidence that this new area of football communication is in very safe hands at the Bridge Meadow Stadium with people like him involved!