ENTHUSIASM for the Welsh language and football fever has brought a Meirionnydd community together.

Wales might not be playing in the FIFA World Cup 2018, but Welsh is most definitely a firm fixture for Tywyn’s comprehensive school.

In Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn’s latest endeavour to promote the Welsh Government’s incentive of creating one million Welsh speakers by 2050, 19 five-a-side teams took part in a football event to promote pride in our country and language through sport, hosted by Malcolm Allen, who represented Wales 14 times.

Knock-out competitions were held for the 62 primary school pupils who were attending a taster day at the school in readiness for starting in the school in September.

Head of PE, Huw Williams, divided the crowd into 12 teams, which were named after the countries currently taking part in the World Cup.

‘Argentina’ won the junior competition – achieving far more than their professional namesakes – and the team were rewarded with ‘goody bags’ donated by Co-op Tywyn.

In a later session, seven teams from businesses in the local community fought competitively for the title of Champions and a multipack of lager again donated by Co-op. These included Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn, Ysgol Penybryn, Spar, CHC Waste Management, Huws Gray, Young Farmers and the Leisure Centre.

It came as little surprise to anyone that the Spar team won (they do all play for local football teams) – a “very strong and competitive team”, according to tournament officials.

Football themed food was provided by Caffi Ceunant and following the games, Malcolm Allen spoke entertainingly about his upbringing, his family and football life, and his passion for Wales and the Welsh language.

Malcolm, born in Deiniolen, started walking at the age of one and was playing football before he was two.

He played for Watford, Aston Villa, Norwich City, Millwall and Newcastle United, but always dreamed of wearing the red Welsh shirt.

When his dream came true, he was proud to score three goals for Wales, but prouder still to be able to talk Welsh.

Malcolm recognised the talent in Tywyn players, from the primary school pupils, the ‘grown-ups’ and the legacy of John Robertson, who promoted community football.

Malcolm had to retire following an injury but is more than happy in his current employment – he gets to watch premiership football and talk about it, in Welsh, and gets paid for doing it working for S4C on their Sgorio programme. He also visits schools and communities to encourage others to take pride in our beautiful country and language.