A new book written by Stan Addicott, A Century of Sport (Y Lolfa) presents the story of the past 100 years of sporting activity at Swansea University, from its founding in 1920 to present times.
A host of sporting heroes are featured, including Olympic medalists and international players active in a wide range of sports including rugby, football, athletics, swimming, hockey and cricket. The book also charts the rise of women’s sport, the advent of the professional era, and the development of sport from just five University clubs to more than 50 today.
Author Stan Addicott is a former Director of Sport and Physical Education at Swansea University and has a lifetime of coaching experience including Swansea RFC and as assistant coach to the Wales national team.
Set decade by decade against the social and political events of the time, the book traces the development of sport at the University but also emphasises its benefits to the wider community. It describes how a ‘converted refuse dump’ was developed into a magnificent Sports Park, and how new facilities were painstakingly built, such as the Wales National Swimming Pool and the Sports Hall at the Bay Campus.
The author lists a number of prominent sports stars, such as Wales rugby captains Alun Wyn Jones and Siwan Lillicrap who were both educated at Swansea University, and spices their educational achievements with colourful anecdotes and comments.
Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University said: “Stan Addicott served as a highly valued member of our staff community across four decades. This book is shaped by Stan’s love for – and knowledge of – our institution, along with his own treasured memories of links with sports people and places from our University’s earliest years.
“Within these pages, he has crafted a comprehensive picture of the development, nature and scope of sport at Swansea over the past century. He documents the inspiring sporting achievements of our students and alumni within our University, our local and regional community and on the international stage. This book articulates the importance of sport for sport’s sake, tracing the sheer pleasure and enjoyment of our participating staff and students, while outlining its many other benefits.”
