A TALENTED young footballer from Llanfairpwll has been selected to represent the Welsh Colleges Under 18’s 2018 squad.

18-year-old Osian Martin Jones has been given a rare opportunity to take part at an international football tournament in Rome next month.

Osian has travelled to Cardiff this week to play with the Under 18's side in two friendly matches against Cardiff Metropolitan University and a team of college students from Australia.

He will join up with the squad again in February to fly to Italy and take part in the 'Roma Caput Mundi' tournament.

This has been made possible thanks to Llanfairpwll Juniors FC, who have decided to sponsor Osian for the trip, giving him the financial support needed to participate.

Osian began playing football with the under 6’s team at Llanfairpwll Juniors FC, before going on to spend 11 years with the Dreigiau Llanfair FC junior team.

“It is fantastic to see one of our own players succeeding in this way and having the opportunity to represent his country." said Dreigiau Llanfair's Rhys Howard Hughes, who managed Osian for the 11 years he was with the club.

"We pride ourselves at Llanfairpwll Junior FC on providing opportunities for all youngsters to develop their football skills whilst enjoying playing football.

"Not many individuals have an opportunity to represent Wales, so we are very proud of Osian.

"He deserves this opportunity and all at Llanfairpwll Junior FC wish him all the very best of luck in the forthcoming

tournament and beyond.”

Rhys added that Osian developed to be a confident and skilful young player during his time with Dreigiau Llanfair.

His passion for the game, and his eye for goal became evident for all to see, and he was soon regarded as one of the most promising young players on the island.

Speaking on being selected, Osian said: "I would like to thank all those who have sent messages of support and congratulations.

"In particular, Llanfairpwll Junior FC for their financial contribution towards my participation in the tournament.

"I would also like to say a special thank you to Rhys Hughes who managed me during my time at Dreigiau Llanfair."