Joyce meets Wales football manager Coleman

Wales football manager, Chris Coleman fielded questions from Assembly Members at the Senedd last night (12 June).
The one-off event was part of a tour of Q&A sessions that Coleman has been holding with football clubs and organisations across Wales since he took over the role in 2011.
Mid and West AM Joyce Watson took the opportunity to press the case for improving playing surfaces at community facilities, to support grass-roots development.
Mrs Watson said:
“Young people watch Swans players passing the ball like they have it on a string but it’s hard to replicate when you have to negotiate tussocks, diverts and puddles!
“The recent redevelopment of Bridge Meadow is a great example of how investment in playing surfaces and facilities can boost the regional game. The Victory Shield game here a few years ago was massive for west Wales football.
“This season is the most successful ever at club level in Wales and, with the international team also on the way up, now is the time to capitalise on people’s interest and sow the seeds for the next generation of Welsh players.”
In 2010, 2,500 spectators watched Wales earn a record Victory Shield success against England, winning by four goals at Haverfordwest’s Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Haverfordwest County is widely regarded as one of the best playing services in Wales. Last month its former grounds man, Dan Duffy was named Barclays Premier League Groundsman of the Year, in recognition of his work at Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium.
Former Wales international Coleman was joined on the panel by former BBC Wales commentator, now Football Association of Wales head of public affairs, Ian Gwyn Hughes.
Following the death of Gary Speed in November 2011, Coleman was appointed to lead Wales in their Euro 2016 campaign. After Wales’ 2-1 defeat to Croatia at the Liberty Stadium in March, Coleman confirmed his intention to fulfil his contract until the summer of 2014.