Four of the five rugby academy players who have been chosen to play for the Welsh Colleges under-19s.

Since its inception in 2001, Pembrokeshire College sports academy has strived to create an elite development programme that allows individuals to reach their full potential in their chosen sport while studying on a full-time course in any subject.

Over the years the college has been very successful in supporting a number of sporting individuals, with many now participating at a high standard in the local community.

Great year for individual honours.

This year has been a particularly successful year for the sports academy, with four students achieving national honours in their respective sports of netball, football and rugby and a further five students receiving a Welsh Colleges rugby cap.

Star performance for netballer.

Raijeli Katalau demonstrates the true worth of the college sports academy programme to the local community of Pembrokeshire.

Raijeli arrived at the college as a competent sporting individual, but her experience of netball was limited.

However, with a mixture of hard work, and following expert advice and coaching provided by staff coach Lesley Ace and input from academy patron and ex-international Rhiannon Ace, Raijeli has progressed from the county squad to the west Wales squad and has now been selected for the Welsh under-21 squad.

"Raijeli is a key member of the college academy team who leads by example," said Lesley Ace.

"The key to her performance is that Raijeli has followed an extensive fitness and skills training programme with great determination and personal motivation."

Football fanatics get call up.

With tough competition, defender Dorian Davies and attacker Craig George went through a series of trials before finally being selected for the Welsh schools under-18 squad.

"Both players are key members of the Pembrokeshire College academy squad and have worked hard on their football skills to achieve consistently high standards of performance," said football academy coach Ronnie Beynon.

Under the guidance of Ronnie, both players have not only been selected for the Welsh under-18 squad, but Dorian plays for Welsh premier side Haverfordwest County at youth level and Craig at senior level for Carmarthen Town.

4:59pm Friday 14th March 2008

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