TWO Coleg Menai students were selected to represent Welsh Colleges at an upcoming tournament in Italy.

Osian Jones and Harri Hughes, from Llanfairpwll and Pwllheli respectively, will travel with the U18 squad to compete at the Roma Caput Mundi Invitational Tournament in the region of Lazio.

The pair are both in their second year of the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Sport (Performance and Excellence) course.

Jones, who currently plays for Llangefni Town in the Welsh Alliance League and for Llandudno Town U19 in the Welsh Premier Development League said: “I decided early on that the traditional A-level route was not for me.

“Being on this course at Coleg Menai has opened more doors for me than school could ever have done. It has given me access to different coaching and managerial styles and I have been able to learn so much because of this.

“We are a close-knit group on the course and we have all become really good friends. As well as giving me a good social life and excellent skills, it is a dream come true for me to play for my country and I am really proud to represent Wales.”

During the week-long tournament, the Welsh side will play hosts Italy, Romania and England with the group winners progressing to the final.

In addition to the busy schedule of matches the squad will have some time to relax and enjoy the sights of Rome where they will be given a tour of the Olympic Stadium and a tour of city.

Prior to the tours, the delegation will be at a ceremony hosted by the President of the Italian Olympic Committee, at which British Ambassador will be present.

Their lecturer and former professional footballer Marc Lloyd Williams, will accompany the squad as Team Manager spoke highly of both players.

He said: “Osian and Harri have worked consistently hard for the past eighteen months and improved as players. They thoroughly deserve their selection following their performances during the trial process of the past few months and they have shown a great attitude, desire and commitment to succeed. I am proud of their achievements to date.”