From Kilgetty Under 8s to international duties, Kilgetty Association Football Club watch in awe as one of their own, Liam Cullen, 24, moves from strength to strength in his footballing achievements.
Fondly named “Kilgetty Messi” Liam’s journey from grassroots to representing his country is making Kilgetty as a club extremely proud. Liam signed up as Kilgetty Under 8s Player. His talent was soon spotted by Kilgetty coaches including his first coach, Brian Cullen, Liam’s Dad.
Swansea City
At 7 years old Liam joined Swansea City Development Centre. Lukas Gamble, currently Kilgetty AFC Chairman, was his first coach at Swansea City, along with Chris Griffiths, another coach with an association with Kilgetty. Liam was 8 years old, playing up a year in the U9s at the Swansea City Development Centre. Lukas Gamble recommend Liam to the head of recruitment, Lynn Thomas, to go up to the Academy for trials, and his football career developed from there.
Liam made his debut for the Swansea U18s when he was just 13. Lukas was in the stadium for Liam’s Wales youth debut at 14 years of age. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Graham Jenkins, who also represented Wales at Youth level, Liam now has 29 Youth Caps for Wales.
In 2018, Liam made his senior debut as a substitute playing against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup. He scored his first goal for Swansea in a 4–1 win against Reading in 2020, securing them a play-off spot.
Call Up to the Senior International Squad
The Welsh player’s dreams came true in March 2023 as he was called up to the Wales Senior squad for the Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Croatia and Latvia. Then in a memorable match Liam made his cracking Wales international debut on 11th October at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham. Facing Gibraltar in a friendly match Liam Cullen’s name was on the team sheet, in the starting 11 where he put in an impressive performance.
Cullen certainly made his mark, putting Kilgetty on the map, as he was described by Radio Wales commentators as: “Really impressive, a lovely little player, playing a pivotal role, igniting the sparks, he was excellent and made things happen”.
No-one could be prouder than Liam’s parents: “We are so proud of Liam. When he was a child he always said he was going to play for Swansea and Wales and he has, we are so happy for him!” shared Louise Cullen.
Liam has it all, potential, talent, skills, yet he never forgets his roots and always has time for his home team. When visiting home, Liam always takes time to talk and pose for photos with Kilgetty AFC players and coaches. He is a true inspiration and all at Kilgetty AFC couldn’t be prouder and cannot wait to see what happens next!
(Pic by John Smith/FAW)