Departing Cardiff Met defender Joel Edwards has spoken out of his time in South Wales as he moves on from the Cymru Premier club.
The versatile defender is returning to Herefordshire to sign for English non-league side Westfields.
His departure brings to an end three years of service with the Students, where he played 78 times.
“It was an amazing honour to be part of such a special group of players,” said
“I absolutely loved my time at Cardiff Met. Not only were we close and successful on the pitch but we are all very good friends off it as well.
“They helped me in many ways off the pitch, academically and socially and of course on the pitch with me enjoying my football.
“They were very welcoming when I first joined and always offered helped with any issues I had with studying.”
During his three years in South Wales, Edwards achieved Nathaniel MG Cup success, when they defeated Cambrian & Clydach Vale.
The former Bulls captain also played on the continental stage for Met as they competed in the Europa League after beating Bala Town in the play-off final.
“I knew the Cymru Premier was a tough league and there was a slim chance of Europe, so when we managed to pull it off, we were all over the moon,” says Edwards.
“It was fully deserved from both players and staff, especially after getting so close the year before.”
The former Hereford title winning-captain was full of praise for Met’s manager Christian Edwards.
“Christian is a great manager, very passionate, committed and a great bloke.
“I got on really well with him and have the utmost respect for him. He is definitely up there with one of the best managers I have ever had.”
The main reason behind his departure from Cyncoed Campus is so he can work full-time with his business.
Edwards’ business sees coaches work with children and toddlers through football.
After a shock release from Hereford, Edwards was left pondering his next move.
It was in the summer of 2017, he took the decision to undertake a degree in Sports Coaching.
Edwards choice to study saw him mix his studies with a career in Wales top flight, becoming a vital player to the Archers.
Juggling his business, his studies and the challenges of the Cymru Premier, Edwards, he was able to come through it all with a degree and numerous success.
“Both were a massive commitment,” said the 28-year-old defender.
“Alongside that, I had my business I was trying to run, but it all worked out in the end and I even managed to grab a few beers with the boys a few times a week.”
After setting up the occupation in February 2017, Edwards feels the time is right to take it forward and says he is excited about resigning for The Fields.
“It’s one of the main reasons why I have moved home, so I can commit to the business and try to take it full-time.
“I’m hoping to take it into schools doing PPA sessions and after school clubs. Maybe even do nursery visits and do sessions there as well.
“I am also looking to do evening sessions for those who have a disability.
“I’m looking forward to it, I played there when I was younger and really enjoyed my time there.
“The pitch is looking great and they have recently transformed the clubroom so I’m looking forward to having a few cold ones in there.”
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
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