WELSH PREMIER TIMES

2013-14 Issue 2/Rhif 2

02/07/13

Primed and ready for European venture

UEFA Europa League
Tuesday 2nd July

Bala Town v FC Levadia Talinn

at Belle Vue Rhyl Kick-off 19:00

Thursday 4th July

Airbus UK Broughton v FK Ventspils

At the Racecourse
.

Wrexham Kick-off 19:00

Prestatyn Town v FK Leipajas Metalurgs

at Belle Vue Rhyl Kick-off 19:00

NEXT ISSUE OUT MONDAY 15th July
Official Newsletter of the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League

Mel is on holiday
Cylchgrawn Swyddogol Uwchgynghrair Corbett Sports Cymru

League Assessor on UEFA.com

Welsh Premier League referee assessor Ray Ellingham is featured on UEFA.com as he is currently in Italy representing the European Governing Body at the UEFA Regions Cup Finals. The article reads; "Learn and enjoy" is the motto for the up-and-coming officials at the UEFA Regions' Cup, with referee observer Ray Ellingham telling UEFA.com he is more mentor than judge, (writes Jim Wirth from Montegrotto Terme). The UEFA Regions' Cup is an important stage for the competition's match officials, but Ellingham says UEFA's referee observers are here to help and encourage as much as to assess performances. "You can see sometimes that the newer referees have fear in their faces when they first meet the referee observers and the first thing they call me is 'Mr Ellingham'," the sunny former Welsh Premier League referee told UEFA.com. "I always say: 'Call me Ray.' It's their game - we are just here to give advice. There's nothing worse than a referee going on the pitch and worrying: 'Where's the observer'?" The four observers at the amateur championships will have their say in appointing the refereeing team for Saturday's final - potentially an important staging post towards the top levels of European football but "learn and enjoy" remains Ellingham's motto for the 16 up-and-coming officials from 15 nations who have come to the finals. "We want them to enjoy it," he said. "The first meeting can be quite daunting, but it gets a lot better and now we are really talking." All employed in their domestic top tiers, the officials are eager to make the next step up. Having reached this level, they have already proved their ability, but 52-year-old Ellingham knows there is an enormous amount they can still learn, from the observers and each other. At the finals, referee trainers ensure they are maintaining the right fitness regimes, while the observers host practical sessions, where the team watch and discuss video footage of thought-provoking match incidents. From Sunday onwards, they also watched highlights from their own performances. "We edit the game footage and after the referees have an individual debrief with their observer, we come together for an open discussion where we show clips to the whole group; some of them positive, others learning points," explained Ellingham. "Control is important, and respect and man management. And it's getting the big, game-changing decisions right." Crucial to that learning experience is the knowledge that the officials are among friends. Many of them met for the first time on Thursday, but they have already formed a tight group. "They have really bonded well, and having come together as total strangers, I am sure there will be strong friendships after the tournament," said Ellingham, who is now well established as an observer and referee fitness expert in Wales.

Key to that supportive environment are the observers themselves; they may all have hung up their whistles, but as Ellingham knows, they have lost none of their passion for the profession. "It's quite sad," said the self-confessed "rubbish footballer" who found his calling as a match official. "Even when I am watching a game on the television, I will sit there and say 'yellow', 'foul', 'offside'. All the observers here are still referees at heart it's just that our legs are not as quick as they used to be!"

CLUB NEWS ABERYSTWYTH TOWN

PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES
Saturday Saturday Saturday Saturday 20th July 27th July 3rd August 10th August Barmouth & Duffryn Utd Caersws FC Haverfordwest County CPD Porthmadog A A H A ko ko ko ko 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30

ww.atfc.org.uk

AFAN LIDO FC
PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES
Saturday Thursday Saturday Saturday 13th July 25th July 27th July 10th Aug Abertillery Bluebirds Pontardawe Town Ton Pentre Bridgwater Town A A A H

AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON

www.airbusfc.com

WITH a historic first Europa League tie less than a week away, Airbus UK Broughton warmed-up with a friendly 5-0 away win against fellow Flintshire side Buckley Town at The Globe writes Rory Sheehan With a new-look squad and management team, the hosts are tipped to do very well in the Huws-Gray Alliance this season and would give the Wingmakers a good work-out before meeting FK Ventspils. On a warm, sunny afternoon there was very little pre-season rustiness on show on a decent surface as both sides got stuck in. There were first appearances in Airbus shirts handed to new signings defender Mike Pearson and goalkeeper James Coates from the start. There was an early chance for the home side poked wide by ex-Barnsley and Irish youth international Jamil Adam within minutes. Jordan Johnson curled a shot wide for Airbus before former Wingmaker Josh Griffiths produced some excellent solo work, racing beyond the Airbus defence only to fire wide for Buckley. Chris Budrys headed over from a Glenn Rule cross for the Wingmakers, as both sides looking well-matched early on. The game turned within the space of five minutes thanks to two goals from Budrys. The first was from closerange after a cross from Steve Abbott and the second saw him turn in the area to find the far corner of the net with a low shot. After a brief interval and a few changes on half an hour, Buckley regained their composure and asked more questions of Airbus going forward. As the game went from end-to-end for a spell, the Wingmakers looked the most dangerous pushing forward. Steve Abbott went close, followed by a shot blazed over from Reynaldo Carbon. However, Abbott soon made it 3-0 when he turned in the area and lifted a shot over goalkeeper and former Wingmakers youngster Mike Jones. From a corner Buckleys Ryan Nicol saw a good header nodded off the line by Mike Roddy at the far post. The game became slightly disjointed intervals and numerous changes on both sides, but the quick-feet and good approach play of Reynaldo Carbon kept it lively as Nicky Ward also made his first appearance in an Airbus shirt. Buckleys Jamie McDonald found himself through on goal but couldnt apply the finish a superb one -handed save from Mike Jones kept out an Abbott effort at the other end. With quarter of an hour to go a Buckley centre-half sliced a clearance into his own net, the own goal giving the scoreline a slightly harsh look at 4-0 to Airbus. The home side went close with a near-post attempt before Nicky Ward curled a free-kick for Airbus. Approaching the latter stages of the game Airbus introduced teenage academy graduates Zyaac Edwards and Myles Hart from the bench. Both immediately impressed as they helped keep up the momentum of the Wingmakers attacks. Wayne Riley headed wide of the far-post then Reynaldo Carbon shot wide before the home side rallied. Buckleys Barbados Under-20 international Shakiel Corbin unleashed a powerful shot that went narrowly wide, but the Wingmakers defence held firm to earn a clean-sheet. The last significant action of the game saw a mistake by the Buckley goalkeeper present Wayne Riley with a tap-in to make it 5-0.

For both teams the main objective of the game was to keep improving match fitness but it was also a moraleboosting victory for the Wingmakers ahead of their European adventure. Both clubs will be wishing each other the best of luck for the season ahead in what will hopefully be another successful campaign for football in Flintshire.

PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES

Saturday Saturday Saturday Tuesday Saturday Tuesday 29th June 29th June 20th July 23rd July 27th July 13th August Crusaders FC Buckley Town Wrexham Mossley Nantwich Town Cefn Druids A A H A H A P-P 5-0 ko ko ko ko 14:30 15:00 15:00 19:30

BALA TOWN
PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES
Tuesday Saturday Friday Tuesday Friday Saturday 25th June 20th July 26th July 30th July 2nd August 10th August The New Saints CPD Porthmadog Marine Vauxhall Motors Blackburn Rovers Bamber Bridge A A A A H H 1-3 ko ko ko ko ko 14:30 19:30 19:30 19:30 14:30

www.balatownfc.co.uk

BANGOR CITY
PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES
Saturday Wednesday Saturday Tuesday Saturday Tuesday Saturday Tuesday 13th July 17th July 20th July 23rd July 3rd August 6th August 10th August 13th August Buckley Town Caernarfon Town Lancaster City Gwalchmai Burscough Conwy Borough AFC Telford Caernarfon Town A A H H H H A H ko ko ko ko ko ko ko ko 14:30 19:30 14:00 19:00 14:00 19:30 15:00 19:30

www.bangorcityfc.com

CARMARTHEN TOWN

www.carmarthentownafc.com

Owing to the Richmond Park pitch being used for the UEFA Women's Under-19 tournament all pre-season games will be played away. The first match is against Pontardawe Town at their new ground in Parc Ynysderw with an 11.00am kick-off. Manager Mark Aizlewood intends to play half of his squad then with the rest playing against Taff's Well with a 2pm start at the Cardiff Metropolitan University Cyncoed Campus ground. Four days later the team travel to Haverfordwest to take on Pembrokeshire League side Merlin's Bridge. The match will start at 6.30pm at the Lower Racecourse ground. Forty-eight hours later the team play a Friday night fixture against Cambrian & Clydach at the Treforest Campus ground with a late 8.15pm kick-off. This is followed by two tough games against 'English' non-league opponents. On Thursday the Old Gold play Southern League club Merthyr Town at Penydarren Park followed by a Saturday clash with Conference South side Bath City. The final match in Wales is on Saturday 10 August away at Ynys Park where Welsh League Division One side Ton Pentre will be the hosts. The squad then travel to Ireland for two matches and a training camp. On Saturday 17 August, Munster League team Midleton host the Old Gold at Knockgriffin Park with an afternoon kick-off. The following evening the team play strong opposition in Cobh Ramblers. The League of Ireland first division team play at the picturesque St.Coleman's Park with their most famous player being Roy Keane who spent much of his career at Manchester United.

PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES

Saturday Saturday Wednesday Saturday Saturday Saturday Sunday 20th July 20th July 24th July 3rd August 10th August 17th August 18th August Pontardawe Town Taffs Well Merlins Bridge Bath City Ton Pentre Midleton FC (IRL) Cobh Ramblers (IRL) A A A A A A A ko ko ko ko ko ko ko 14:30 TBA TBA 15:00 14:30 TBA 19:45

GAP CONNAHS QUAY

www.the-nomads.co.uk
The Nomads are pleased to announce the arrival of two new signings, Danny Desormeaux and Josh Lane, at the Deeside Stadium. Desormeaux (left in picture) joins The Nomads from Conwy Borough following spells with Airbus, Cefn Druids and Newtown. Danny was also a part of Rhyl's UEFA Cup squad in the summer of 2007 before joining Airbus. He has made over 250 Welsh Premier League appearances and will wear the number 20 shirt next season. Danny said: Once I knew the gaffer was keen for

me to sign it was a no brainer for me. I was interested in getting myself back into the Welsh Premier League. Ive played a number of years in the league and feel like Ive still got a lot to offer. I know a few of the lads already, so am really looking forward to getting started and helping the team improve this year. Josh Lane, a product of Nantwich Towns youth development system, follows "ex -Dabber" and fellow Nomads summer signing Simon Everall to the Deeside Stadium and will wear the number 23 shirt. The 21-year-old was part of the Nantwich Town side that reached the Sentinel Youth Cup Final in 2010, and made his first-team debut in the Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final at Macclesfield Town. Josh said: When the gaffer made contact with me I was very pleased and excited by the prospect of a new challenge. I havent played in this division before and am looking forward to see what it has to offer. I have come with my partner in crime, Simon Everall, who I have played with for three years. I know his game inside out and vice versa, so hopefully well be able to link up well. Im looking forward to seeing what we can achieve when the new season starts. Nomads player manager Mark McGregor said: Josh is young and keen and will add fresh legs and energy to the team, and will hopefully brings goals with him. Danny will add some valuable experience to our young squad, and wants to be a big player in the Welsh Premier League again having already made more than 250 appearance in the division." A talented Nomads youngster will be working towards goals of a different kind after securing a job with club owner gap personnel. Central midfielder Ryan Edwards, who broke into the first team last season after progressing through the academy, has been struggling to find a steady day job. Now the 19-year-old has been given the opportunity to prove he can flourish off the pitch, as well as on it. Ryan has joined gaps Flint branch as a trainee recruitment consultant on a three-month trial basis. Branch manager James Sale said: Ryan got in touch with us to see if we had any vacancies, and it just so happened that we were looking to strengthen our team. We were extremely impressed with his pro-active approach, energy and persistence. Im sure he will do well here at gap but, should his football career take off at least this will be good, honest work in the meantime. Ryan said: Im very grateful for this fantastic opportunity. I have been out of steady work f or a couple of months, so I was really chuffed when gap agreed to take me on as a trainee. My ambition is to become a professional footballer but for now Im really happy to be working at gap and playing for the Nomads. PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES
Saturday Tuesday Saturday Friday Saturday Tuesday Friday 13th July 16th July 20th July 26th July 27th July 30th July 2nd August Conwy Borough Runcorn Town Flint Town United Pontefract Collieries Goole FC Wrexham FC Widnes Vikings A A A A A H H ko ko ko ko ko ko ko 13:00 19:30 14:30 19:30 15:00 19:15 19:30

Saturday Tuesday Saturday Saturday

3rd August 6th August 10th August 13th August

Corwen FC Cardiff City Nantwich Town Conwy Borough

A H H A

ko ko ko ko

14:30 19:30 14:30 14:30

NEWTOWN AFC

www.newtownafc.co.uk

Former Llanelli and Port Talbot Town striker Jeff White has become Newtown's second summer signing after the deal was confirmed last week. It follows the signing of keeper Mike Platt from Bala Town. White, who finished the season with Llanelli, is a striker, who manager Bernie McNally has been looking to bring in, and the manager is delighted with the addition. "Jeff is a fantastic addition and is just the striker we need at Newtown," said McNally. He added, "He is someone who can hold the ball up for us and bring other's into play and he knows where the goal is." McNally is now looking to tie up a deal for other potential signings in the coming weeks. Newtown AFC held their Annual General Meeting last week and the members were presented with a healthy report from its Officers. President, Richard Bonfield conducted the meeting and told the assembled members that the Club was being robustly controlled by the Officers of the Club and the first team had done their bit by having an excellent season during 2012/13. The finish of 9th place was the best achieved in the last ten years and the points tally exceeded that amassed three years ago when we also finished 9th. He praised the players for increasing their performance levels and competing equally with teams paying an awful lot more than Newtown was able to lay out. All around us last season, teams were raising the bar in relation to performance and expenditure, and on the field we held our own with everyone. There were a couple of inconsistent performances which were frustrating, but the were balanced by some exceptional performances, too. The Chairman, Elwyn Preece praised all the volunteers at the club which were too numerous to list individually, but he thanked the team of Stewards who were exceptionally busy all season with many extra matches, including some high profile ones where their skills were required. He also thanked the maintenance crew who attend to all the jobs that require day to day attention, and to Gareth Owen and his groundstaff who kept the pitch going all the way through to the end of May this season to fit in the demand for use of the ground. General Secretary, Owen Durbridge, reiterated the praise for the volunteers and said there would hopefully be a campaign to recruit more voluntary support for the Club over the coming season. He said that he had put together some hefty grant applications to the Welsh Assembly Government, Sport Wales and the FAW for a 3G pitch installation at Latham Park, but, despite widespread local support from Welsh Football Trust, Coleg Powys, Whitestars Junior Section and the Ladies and Girls section, the possible grants are still in abeyance and any funding will be part of a Wales-wide strategic approach to 3G surfaces across all Welsh sport and in conjunction with the various national governing bodies. Finance Director, Barry Gardner reported that the Club's finances continued to be run on a break-even basis and promised that the Board of Directors were firmly committed to restricting expenditure across the club which means that the playing budget for the coming season will need to be pegged at existing levels, unless sponsorship could be increased by the Commercial team. All of the Officers were re-elected and the current Directors all continue with the board positions. PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES
Saturday Saturday Saturday Tuesday Saturday 20th July 27th July 3rd August 6th August 10th August Wellington Amateurs Shawbury United Guilsfield Shrewsbury Town XI Hednesford Town A A A H H ko ko ko ko ko 14:30 14:30 14.30 19:30 14:30

PORT TALBOT TOWN

www.porttalbottown.co.uk

Port Talbot Town will play at the GenQuip Stadium at least twice during pre-season, with home fixtures against newly promoted Cardiff City and Merthyr Town, and another unnamed friendly which will hopefully be announced shortly. Scott Youngs squad also travel to Bedfordshire-based outfit Biggleswade Town in what will be an overnight stay prices for supporters wishing to travel will be confirmed when available. As part of the clubs early bird offer, season tickets bought before pre-season will include admission into our friendly fixtures and are now on sale and ready for collection. ADULTS 75, CONCESSIONS 45, UNDER-16s 15 Includes entry to all home Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League, League Cup, Under-19 and Womens Welsh Premier League fixtures. The club have a number of openings available ahead of the forthcoming season as we look to expand our matchday staff. The Steelmen are currently looking for individuals who can regularly attend home firstteam fixtures to provide support in the following areas: Turnstyle operators General matchday support Club lottery agent Full training and support will be provided, please contact Matthew Burgess on 07769 353324 to discuss further. The first-team squad regrouped early Saturday morning as pre-season training began on a sun-soaked Aberavon beach. Around twenty players were greeted by Scott Young, Marc Cahill and Vince Lewis at the GenQuip Stadium before undergoing a light session alongside the waters edge. Amongst those were youth-team products Luke Martin and Jordan Edwards, who will be looking to use pre-season to stake a claim in the first-team squad. Both return to the fold having completed successful loan spells in the Welsh League with West End and Bridgend Town respectively. For Scott Young, he was simply glad to be back taking training: It was great to wake up this morning and come to the club and take a training session. Obviously its our first one, so it was nice and light, with a bit of banter. It was just a re-engagement session. We had one or two boys missing with some in work and some still coming back from holiday, so things will start properly on Tuesday. I know what its like being a player and its not fun running without a football, so everything we do will predominantly be done with a football. Yes, well work hard but well have a bit of fun along the way. PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Saturday 27th July Briton Ferry Llansawel A ko 15:00 Wednesday 31st July Cardiff City H ko 19:30 rd Saturday 3 August Biggleswade Town A ko 15:00 Saturday 10th August Merthyr Town H ko 15:00

PRESTATYN TOWN

www.ptfconline.co.uk

Evo-Stik League Premier Division club Chorley have announced the signing of experienced defender Paul ONeill from Welsh Premier League side Prestatyn Town. Bolton-born ONeill (pictured) has previously played for Bangor City, Rhyl and Prestatyn Town in the Welsh Premier League and has been successful with all three clubs. He missed out on the Welsh Cup Final through injury though and it seems that his League career may have come to an end. The 31-year-old has also had previous experience in England having played for Macclesfield Town in the Football League before moving to Northwich Victoria and Scarborough. He then had a spell in Scotland with Gretna, before moving onto Wales. O'Neill is consequently not in the Seasiders' Europa League squad. Two other players missing from the squad are Mark Smyth who has left the club and Gareth Wilson, who cruelly misses out of the first qualifying round through injury, having recently undergone an operation on his knee.

The Seasiders beat Flint Town United 5-0 in their final outing before next Thursday's Europa League clash with FC Metalurgs. UPDATED. Greg Stones netted twice with Lee Hunt, Chris Davies and Andy Parkinson also on target. Assistant manager Martin Jones gave his thoughts on the performance after the game. We focussed on our shape and allowed Flint to have more of the ball than we normally would, said Martin. Shaun Hessey was outstanding at the back, talking and organising, Greg Stones did a great job in midfield, linking the play and showing some great touches while Mikey Parker was his usual powerful, driving self through the midfield. I thought we were threatening on the break but we did miss four good first half chances. All in all it was a good workout with the lads in excellent spirits going into the final preparations for Europe, he added. Town drew first blood on 15 minutes from a swift counter attack and it should have been two shortly after when Lee Hunt and Andy Parkinson exchanged six passes to create a chance which Parkinson put a whisker wide of the target Goalkeeper Dave Roberts had little to do but was beaten by a header which came back off the post after 25 minutes but dealt confidently with everything else. No changes were made during the interval and the second half saw the goals come at regular intervals, so much so that on the hour mark Dave Roberts took over between the posts from Jon Hill-Dunt who had been largely reduced to the role of spectator. The Seasiders kept working on shape and positional play/midfield rotation but still allowed Flint lots of ball, much as the Town management expect Metalurgs to have. Towns other three goals all stemmed from excellent passing movements which carved open the Flint defence. Everyone came through unscathed apart from Shaun Hessey reporting a slight groin twinge and being replaced by Danny Markland with four minutes left. PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Friday 21st June Amlwch Town H 11-0 Friday 28th June Flint Town United H ko 19:30 Saturday 20th July 1874 Northwich H ko 14:30 Saturday 3rd August Vauxhall Motors A ko 15:00 th Saturday 17 August Manchester City XI H ko 14:00

Rhyl FC

www.rhylfc.co.uk

New Managing Director Mike Jones was full of praise for all the supporters and committee who turned out this weekend to help get Belle Vue ready for the new Season. Jones said, 'Everyone has worked so hard, the stadium looks as good as ever now, the supporters are credit to Rhyl FC, the best in the land! ' Work that was carried out was from repairing seats, to cleaning the stands, installing more seats to watering the pitch and putting up new advertising boards. This Friday see's a Supporters Open Meeting in the Legends Lounge which starts at 7pm. Manager Greg Strong will be attendance to announce the new signing and the re-signings of players. Manager Greg Strong told supporters Rhyl are not in the Super 12 just to make the numbers up at the club's open meeting on Friday. The Lilywhites' boss was taking questions from the floor and responded to an enquiry about what his target was for the team on its return to the WPL. "Everything I have ever done, whether it's a running race or a game of football, I have always done to win," he said. "You always want to be the first. "Whatever I do and wherever I am I'll aim for the top. Whether it is realistic is another matter, because TNS are very strong and Airbus are very strong but, if you are going to compete, play to win or why bother?" Strong outlined the player situation at Belle Vue on the eve of pre-season. He revealed all the squad from last season, with the exception of Steve Lecefel, who was released, and Jack Lewis, who rejoined Prestatyn, had re-signed.

"I have got Jimmy Gambino and Cads (Mark Cadwallader) to sign on and that will be the entire squad from last year re-signed," he confirmed. Three new signings were also announced at the meeting. "We have signed Tom Roberts. He played here against us for Crewe Alexandra in a pre-sesason game. He's a very exciting player." Roberts is a versatile player who can adapt to left back, midfield or left wing. Mike Walsh has also come back to Belle Vue. He was keen to sign and bolsters the squad along with young prospect Ryan Astles, last term's player of the season at Buckley Town. 'A' licensed coach Tony Sheridan was unveiled as the new under-19 boss. Tony worked with Greg at Bolton Wanderers and brings a wealth of experience and a footballing philosophy exactly in line with Strong's beliefs. No manager has been appointed to run the reserve side as yet, following the decision by Iain Bennett to take up an offer of coaching in Australia. Strong said although there had been applications for the post he was keen to find the right man to carry on his footballing philosophies. During the Q&A session, the boss responded to an enquiry about TNS keeper Alex Ramsey, who was on loan at Belle Vue last term, saying simply he was signed to TNS. Strong is looking at keepers in the meantime and assured fans he had been watching specially arranged matches during the close season in a bid to sign players. Eleven triallists will be at the clubs first pre-season session on Saturday (29 June) and he expects to make signings of any suitable players, saying he thought he would need a large squad for the challenges ahead. Managing director Mike Jones announced some new appointments to the club's supporters at Friday's open meeting. By far the most appreciated and well applauded was the announcement that Dennis McNamee, match secretary and one who has provided continuity for the Lilywhites through good and not so good times, has been elevated to Honorary Life President of Rhyl FC. Dave Williams is warmly welcomed back to the fold, as pitch manager, and Kevin Davies comes into the club in support of Dennis, helping out on the club secretarial side. Jez Hemming joins as Press and Media Officer. This followed the news that Nick Bollen, who did so much to keep fans informed with his vivid and often memorable match reports and news items last season, needs more time to concentrate on his journalism degree. Nick will continue to help where he can and everyone at Rhyl Football Club wishes Nick the very best of luck in his studies and looks forward to him coming back when he has been successful. Remember it all started here Nick! Any fans who have ideas on what they would like to see on the website, for which a major overhaul is planned, should contact Jez at: editor@rhylnewswire.com (just until we get a club email sorted). It is a fans club and the content on site needs to be geared to our fans, so all suggestions are welcomed. Mike Jones went on to explain how the finances of the club broke down, showing what percentage of revenue each strand of income produced, and highlighting where the major expenditures for the club went. Season ticket sales are ahead of last year and executive season tickets are showing good growth. On the fundraising side, the 200 Club has shown excellent growth but Mike called on those present to dig deep if they could and help fund the club's progression. Lee Hayes, the club treasurer, explained how the club is now being run on a sound financial footing with no historic debts. He painted a decent financial picture of the Lilywhites and also praised the governance of Rhyl FC by the committee, which is as strong as it has ever been. PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Friday 12th July Tranmere Rovers H ko 19:30 th Saturday 13 July Hyde FC H ko 15:00 Wednesday 17th July Bolton Wanderers H ko 19:45 Saturday 20th July Marine H ko 14:30 rd Tuesday 23 July Cammell Laird H ko 19:30 Saturday 27th July Prescot Cables H ko 15:00 th Tuesday 30 July CPD Porthmadog H ko 19:45 Saturday 10th August Manchester City XI H ko 15:00 th Tuesday 13 August Burnley XI H ko 19:30

THE NEW SAINTS FC

www.tnsfc.co.uk

During the past five years, Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League Champions, The New Saints have been donating old football kits to Kenya through contacts at their home, The Venue. Each time kits were donated, Bill and Lynn Morris (who are members of the Kenyan Schools Project Charity) would deliver them personally to either a school or orphanage in Nairobi. The couple have taken plenty of photos during their busy schedule visiting the needy children in these very poor establishments and some of them are shown below. "KSP would like to thank everyone at TNS for all their generosity. The kits have really made a big difference and made so many children, so happy!" said the Charity. Welcoming the good news story, FAW Head of Competitions, Andrew Howard said; "There is some excellent work being carried out by Welsh Football Clubs in their community and in needy communities abroad. "It is often so easy to forget how fortunate we are in the UK, so stories like this serves as a reminder. Football has the power to bring hope and happiness in the most difficult circumstances, so it's great that Welsh clubs are doing their bit at home and abroad." Saints visit Woodside Craig Edwards and Spot the dog paid a visit to Woodside Primary school this morning. The pair collected entries for The New Saints Design our new kit competition. There were a number of wonderful designs as well as some very imaginative and artistic entries. Spot the Dog was also presented with special award for being a fit and healthy dog! The Design our new kit initiative was created a few weeks ago and there have been a n umber of local schools eager to join in. The children will be able to use their artistic as well as their imaginative ability in order to design the new strip. The children will also design the away kit for the 2013/14 football season. The winner of the competition will be announced at our TNS in the Park day, which has been scheduled for the 13th of July. The winning individual will receive the newly designed shirt which will also be signed by every member of the first team. The winner will also collect a family of four ticket package to our first home league game of the season. The New Saints beat Bala Town by three goals to one at Park Hall stadium. Aeron Edwards opened the scoring after flicking the ball past the Bala goalkeeper and then passed the ball into the net. On the stroke of half time Ian Sheridan coolly converted from close range to level the score. Shortly after the break the Birkenhead-born Mike Wilde calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to put his team back in front. Moments later Alex Darlington volleyed against the post after a brilliant pass by Wilde. Substitute Chris Marriott then struck into the top corner from the edge of the box with only minutes remaining. PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES Saturday 22nd June British Universities H 0-1 Tuesday 25th June Bala Town H 3-1 Saturday 29th June Conwy Borough H 5-1 th Saturday 6 July Cliftonville A ko 15:00 Monday 8th July Market Drayton A ko 19:45

Compiled by Mel Thomas at Soccerfile Wales mel@soccerfilewales.com Tel/Fax: 01766 830805 Distributed by e-mail only from WPL, 11 / 12 Neptune Court, Cardiff CF24 5PJ Contact: Lucy Kelly via lkelly@faw.co.uk or 02920 435 847