An Ammanford schoolboy has been recognised for his football coaching skills at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Ysgol Dyffryn Aman pupil Sion Thomas won the Lidl FAW Director of Football of the Year award which was presented by Wales and Liverpool legend, Ian Rush at the at the 2017 National Coaches Conference.

Ten year 12 pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn Aman signed up the Lidl Play More Football coaching scheme last October which involved the students giving up their lunch hours to help run coaching sessions to promote football within the school.

Each of the coaches received free coaching kit as part of the partnership, while the school was presented with new footballs, cones and bibs.

The initiative proved to be very successful with the highlight being the Christmas “Keepie Uppie” competition which was sponsored by Subway.

The competition proved to be very successful with girls, boys and staff all coming together for an entertaining fun filled lunch hour.

Sion was nominated for the award as a reward for his excellent work with the pupils during the year.

As a consequence Sion was shortlisted as one of three individuals across Wales to attend the Welsh FA coaching convention held at the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel.

Sion had the privilege of being able to watch and observe top coaches from across Europe in action as well as being able to talk to the likes of ex Arsenal player, Thierry Henry and Welsh football coach Chris Coleman.

"This is a great achievement for me but it's even better for the children. They're going to be ecstatic. They've really helped me to come this far,” he said.

"The programme has impacted me loads. I get to see the development of the children and I get to see those taking part who wouldn't normally play football so I think it's a really good idea.

"The increase in confidence is a big thing for me but I think I've learned to become more approachable too.

"I can help them with off-field problems and whenever they want something, they come to me.

"It's great that anyone can get involved in it regardless of gender, race or whatever.

"Anyone can participate in the drills and the pupils love it. All ages from year seven to year 10, everyone turns up and they have such a good time and it's so good to see."