A STUDENT from Burnham has received a scholarship to help him fulfil his sporting dreams while studying for a degree.

Ben Stacey was presented with the University of South Wales (USW) Sports Scholarships by former Wales and Llanelli rugby star Nigel Davies, who is now coach of Ebbw Vale.

A graduate in mechanical and production engineering from the University of Glamorgan – which is now part of USW – Davies played almost 500 times for Llanelli and also captained Wales.

The scholarships are available to students who are performing to a high standard in their chosen sport and are representing USW in the British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) competition.

“The aim of the scholarships are to increase the individual performances of the students and to attract talented athletes to study at the university,” said Dr Tudor Williams, USW’s Director of Sport.

“We presented 26 scholarships to students, some with full senior caps, from across the world in a variety of sports – from lacrosse to shooting, and football to water polo.

“What we are doing is helping to get the balance right for the students to make sure that we have the support mechanisms in place so they can achieve everything they want to in their sport and, crucially, to ensure that they leave here with a good degree so they can also focus on their careers."