Ian Smith

Sappening ALL!!!!?

For the small majority who don't know me......my name’s Ian Smith......but most people call me “Smithy”.

I'm 19 years old and a Rhondda boy born and bred......in Llwynypia.

I went to Tonypandy Comp where alas, I wasn’t picked as a Year 7 All-Star! I was a late bloomer though and was picked as a All-Star in Year 10......by Becky!!

That means I had four years as an All-Star and loved every minute of it!! After the Summer Camp of 2010, I was given the opportunity to join the team as an intern and I took it with both hands!!

For me, Sporting Marvels isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle. I love the vision......I love the team......and I love all the kids I teach.

In 2009, I was one of six All-Stars who were given the chance to go to East Africa. Chris & Becky, who were my Marvels at Tonypandy, and Pastors John & Debbie were also on the trip. When I look back, I can see it was the key moment where my heart really connected with Sporting Marvels.

I now work in 6 primary schools, delivering the Mighty Marvels programme which is a mix of R.E. and P.E. It’s an amazing opportunity for such a young person as myself and we can all see that we really are changing the way the kids think. I’m really passionate about it and love what I do. I want to be a Marvel forever!!

I also think it’s great that Sporting Marvels has a football team because I love my football! I play centre-half and have been known to make a strong tackle.......or two......or three!!