The Anglesey National Eisteddfod Honorary President is Wales’ Assistant Manager, Osian Roberts.
With his roots deep in Bodffordd, Anglesey, football has been Osian’s life since a very young age, when he captained the Welsh Schoolboy Team. He played for Bangor City, Bethesda and Llangefni before receiving a Soccer Scholarship to America. He was the first Welshman to receive such an accolade, and this enabled him to continue his studies at Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina. He played professionally in America before becoming a Player / Manager for the New Mexico Chiles in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
On his return to Wales he was appointed Soccer Development Officer on Anglesey, before moving to Porthmadog Town as their manager, leaving this post to join the Football Association of Wales as their Technical Director.
He is renowned ad a Coach Educator and International Coach, who enjoyed great success with he Wales U16 team, winning the Victory Shield twice in recent times, the first time since 1949.
His experience and expertise was vitally important in Wales’ footballing success at last year’s European Championships, when the team reached the semi final round. He was key to ensuring Welsh was seen and heard during the competition, raising the language’s profile on the international stage.
Osian is a Technical Expert for UEFA, and has received Honorary Fellowships from both the University of South Wales and the University of Wales Trinity St David. He is often seen and heard offering expert analysis on BBC Radio Cymru, Radio Wales and S4C.
Osian follows a number of prominent Welsh people as the Eisteddfod’s Honorary President, including historian Elin Jones, scientist Professor Sir John Meurig Thomas, judge Nic Parry, and former Wales First Minister, the late Rhodri Morgan.