Rhondda Valley Basketball Legends Receive International Caps After 60 Years
Article by : David Edwards
Two former Rhondda Valley basketball players who represented Wales more than 60 years ago have finally been honoured with their international caps.
Paul Barclay, aged 81, a former Treherbert Boys Club player, and David Addis, 79, who played for Llwynypia, are among 13 Rhondda Valley athletes who have proudly represented their country on the basketball court over the decades.
Other players recognised for their achievements include Treherbert Boys Club alumni Philip Jones, Brian Merry, Roger Cope, and Chris Kilvington, alongside Ian Reynolds, Jimmy Reynolds, Wayne Jones, and Richard Lloyd from Ton and Gelli, Jeff Cowland from Llwynypia, Eric Rickets from Aberdare, and Jonathan Bunyan, who played for the Just Rentals Rhondda team.
The players gathered at Ystrad Rhondda Sports Centre to celebrate their long-awaited recognition at an event organised by Jeff Cowland. Reflecting on how the recognition came about, Jeff explained:
“In June, a basketball veterans’ tournament was held at the National Sports Centre in Cardiff, attended by former Wales international players. Also present was Basketball Wales CEO Gavin Williams, who announced an Annual Awards event at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, where past and present international players would be honoured.”
“While there, we were presented with our international caps to be finally recognised for playing for Wales.”
Paul Barclay, who played his first game for Wales in 1960 during a Four Nations Junior Tournament in Ruislip, shared his memories:
“I played my first senior game for Wales in 1960 and, in 1966, I represented Great Britain against an American Select side. I played for Wales 65 times and I feel honoured to have been given a cap, although disappointed that for many years there was nothing to show for it. It’s a great honour to play for your country, and I have wonderful memories of my basketball years.”
David Addis also reflected fondly on his international career, recalling his first match for Wales against England in 1964:
“I had 33 senior caps and eight junior caps. I feel ecstatic to have finally been recognised for playing for my country.”
Basketball Wales CEO Gavin Williams expressed his delight in celebrating the legacy of these players:
“Basketball Wales is delighted to honour the valley players and we plan to make this an annual tradition to recognise both former and current international players at our annual event each September, any former players reading this article that would like to be part of next years event should email our events team – selaw.llabteksab@stneve”
The event was a proud and emotional moment for all those involved, as decades of dedication and sporting achievement were finally recognised and celebrated.
Pictured: Paul Barclay and David Addis with their international caps, joined by fellow Rhondda Valley players.
