Will loves his involvement in lots of sporting activities

 

Will Corby is 14 years of age but is already catching the eye in rugby, football and athletics, where he is looking forward to representing Dyfed Schools at national level after coming first in the long jump, 300 metres and shot putt in the Pembrokeshire Schools competition in Haverfordwest and then winning the first two and coming second in the shot putt in the Dyfed Championships in Carmarthen.
 
His local performances saw him break a long-standing Dyfed record in the 300 metres and he is considering advice given to him that he might like to try the athletics’ version of the pentathlon for youngsters, where he would compete in the 200 metres, long jump and shot putt alongside the hurdles and 800 metres in his new challenge.
 
But for this year he will represent Dyfed in the Welsh Finals in Aberdare in his main two events and give his usual 100% commitment which has served him so well in all his considerable sporting activity so far.

 

Family matters for Will

 

Will certainly hails from a sporting family because his dad Mark is now a lecturer in sport at Pembrokeshire College after many years’ involvement as a games’ teacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, in Whitland - and enjoying rugby, tennis, golf and athletics in his younger days. Mum Kate is also a teacher who used to play hockey for Haverfordwest and now plays netball for The Jets, whilst younger brother George (11) looks like following his big brother because he plays football for Prendergast Villa, Pembrokeshire schools and involved in county rugby with Ken Davies as well as Haverfordwest rugby. And last, but not least, is sister Annie (8), who is already involved in gymnastics, swimming and netball.

 

Already enjoyed great success at rugby . . .

 

He also loves playing rugby and eventually he decided to turn to the oval-ball game because a number of his pals were playing for Haverfordwest RFC and whilst there they reached their Pembrokeshire age-group final but just missed out against Aberystwyth at Narberth RFC.
 
He then played at Parc y Scarlets in the Llanelli (West) Finals and although they just missed out against Ysgol Bro Gwaun – he rightly regarded it as a great thrill to play at the world-famous home of The Scarlets.


 

… Including playing at Rosslyn Park’s famous sevens!

 
At this time, he also played for Haverfordwest High School in a team coached by Mr Mikey Jones and during that time they played in the Roslyn Park Sevens, which attracts top teams from all over England and Wales
 
It was another memorable experience as they became the first Pembrokeshire School to win their section and make it into the main draw with all the ‘big guns’ - and it meant a treat because they had to stay over for another night, which they hadn’t really expected at such a huge and famous seven a side tournament!
 
Will also did well because he was chosen by coach Aled Waters to join the squad that represented the county in the National Dewar Shield Under 16s squad as the youngest member, with a view to gaining experience from top centres Daf Williams and Josh James before the competition starts again later this year and he will be able to play in his own age group again.




 

Picked for the Welsh Programme in football – and played for South Wales

 
Will started out in football with a Haverfordwest County junior team coached by Dan John and whilst there was selected to join the Welsh Programme, which involved commitment to attending coaching sessions, but led him on to being part of the Welsh squad programme and playing for South Wales.
 
Back on the local football front, Will eventually returned to the game with Merlins Bridge under 14s and they achieved the coveted ‘treble’ of league, cup and West Wales Cup, as they beat closest rivals Monkton Swifts by beating them at Monkton Lane late in the season to take the league trophy, alongside the cup after beating The Swifts at Marble Hall, Milford Haven.
 
That left the Young Wizards with the challenge of taking on Swansea side Penlan at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli in the West Wales Cup and they proved themselves to be the strongest team, not only in our county but Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Leagues.
 
It was a memorable night for the team, plus coaches Eddie Collins and Geraint Jones, because he also grabbed the opening goal but was credited with two ‘assists’ in a 3-1 victory!
 
Will also skippered the Haverfordwest High School team from his role at the heart of the midfield - and they beat Ysgol Bro Gwaun in the final so he had to collect more silverware on behalf of his team-mates.


 

And finally . . .

 
When we talked to two of his coaches they were totally agreed that whilst Will is naturally talented, he links it to hard work.
 
Mr Mikey Jones, from Haverfordwest High School told us,
“Will is a pleasure to work with in his athletics and rugby because he is ready to listen and soaks up advice like a sponge. He is a modest young man and is popular with his sporting peers, who appreciate his efforts for the team.”
 
Aled Waters, who coaches the county rugby squad for the Dewer Shield under 16s, added,
“We have brought Will into the squad a year early because of his promise and he has fitted in well with the older lads and coaches who recognise his willingness to learn. If he maintains his progress, he will be one to watch next year.”
 
We at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk could pay Will Corby no higher tribute than these few words from a knowledgeable coaching duo and we can only wish him every success in the future, in whichever sport he is involved in.