50 years and counting

Powys wrestling coach receives top honours for coaching Elite Performers for over 50 years.

Alan Jones, from Bwlch y Cibau, is the National and Commonwealth Wrestling Coach for Wales and was honoured by the British Wrestling Association at the Celtic Cup international in Londonderry, Northern Ireland where he was Team Manager for the Celtic team. 

The award of Honorary Coaching Certificate in recognition of the Excellent Coaching of Countless Athletes across the Years and Outstanding Services to Olympic Wrestling, was presented by Non Evans MBE (pictured), ex Welsh, Commonwealth and GB International wrestler and currently the President of the Welsh Wrestling Association.

She was delighted to present this prestigious award to Alan as she has fond memories of when she was preparing for major tournaments under Alan’s directions and winning many medals under his coaching expertise.  

Alan has been coaching for 50 years at high performance level and has coached three world champions and European and international medallists and commonwealth gold and silver and bronze medals and has travelled all over the world for Wales and Great Britain.

The award recognises Alan’s hard work and dedication as he is a volunteer still travelling to Cardiff to coach on a weekly basis as well as going worldwide with Wales and Great Britain.

The welsh wrestling team made history at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014 when the they took their first medal through Craig Pilling.

Alan puts his success down to all the support from the Sports Council for Wales, his wife Sue and the committee of the Welsh Wrestling Association.

Anyone interested in having a go at doing Olympic Freestyle, Greco and Catch wrestling are welcome to come down on a Wednesday evening to AJ Wrestling Club in the The Flash.

Juniors from five years old to Seniors are welcome.

For further information ring Alan or Sue on 01691 829281.