End of Season Statement

As the 2017/18 season draws to a close we would just like to take the opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been part of the clubs journey this season. As we continue to come through a transitional period, through hard work and determination we are delighted that the football club were able to deliver most of the key goals that were set out at the beginning of the season, both on and off the football pitch.

This could not have been achieved without our hardworking backroom staff headed by our chairman Haydn Evans and his right hand man Dean Morris, who is our secretary. Those involved will understand the commitment it takes to run a football club and when these people are voluntarily giving up their time to help the football club move forward and operate in the correct way, they all deserve immense credit for their efforts, as it is no easy task. Well done to all our committee members

Alan Davies (Vice Chairman/Kit Wash/Match day Helper), Tom Owens (Treasurer), Lee valentine (Committee), Mark Owen (Committee), Billy Kempster (Committee/Match day Helper), Dean Jones (Committee), Wayne Gibbons (Committee/Match day Helper), Martin Twigg (Committee/Match day Helper), Nick Jones (Fundraiser/Lucky Six organiser), Paul Griffiths (Website Admin), Debbie Owen (Post match food), Paula Valentine (Post match food) and Stephen Bowyer (Match day Helper)

In addition to fantastic Nick Jones who organises things by printing sheets, marking results and selling himself we would also like to extend our thanks to all the hardworking regulars who sell lucky sixes week win week out. It is a fantastic fundraiser for the club and we would not be in the position we are in without your sales, so thank you very much. Big thanks to Jason Valentine, Liane Jones, Keith and Tom Owens, Josie’s Chip Shop, Haydn Evans, Dean Morris, Kev Griff and Alan Davies who help run this competition like clockwork. We of course thank all the regulars and people who dig deep to get involved each week. 

Collectively, through fundraising and sponsorships our backroom team have been able to generate the necessary funding which has enabled us to provide the best we can for the players/management who represent us. Every penny we have received has helped us to purchase new kits, tracksuits, training tops/equipment and contribute towards match day fees such as pitch hire and official costs.

Every single sponsorship that we have received this season has contributed massively to our football club and we cannot thank the many kind individuals who have dug deep and got behind us enough. Whether its 50p to have a go on the lucky sixes or hundreds of pounds to purchase a kit every penny has counted and made a difference. We would like to give a mention to our main sponsors for their fantastic continued support through the course of the season.

• Cefn Mawr Community Social Club – Pitch hire/post match refreshments
• Pro Clean Window Cleaners – First Team kit
• Holly Bush – First Team kit
• Heineken Brewery – Manchester - Pitch hire/officials
• Wash & Glow – First Team Away kit
• Acrefair Kebab & Pizza – End of season trophies & Management Coats
• Paul Griffiths – Web Developer – Website
• ALL Match ball Sponsors
• All Player Sponsors

In June 2017, we announced the exciting news that we had formed an official working partnership with our Welsh Premier League neighbours Cefn Druids with an impetus of growing stronger links between two local football clubs and between the people of the Cefn Mawr community. The initial agreement also meant that our first team would play nine WNLPD home games on the 3G at the rock but due to its instant success the agreement was extended meaning we would complete the remainder of the 2017/18 season at the Rock. Following some more successful talks between the two clubs, we recently announced the excellent news regarding a new agreement that will see us continue to use the impressive facility for all 2018/19 Welsh National League Premier Division (WNLPD) and cup competition fixtures. Massive news for our football club and we are extremely grateful to our chairman Haydn Evans, secretary Dean Morris and Druids Chairman John Hughes and all the other directors at the druids for making it all possible. It is apparent that since the initial agreement both clubs have gone from strength to strength whilst witnessing a community benefit from the link.

It has been apparent to everyone at the football club the difference it has made moving our first team to the 3G at the rock. This season we have witnessed some fantastic free flowing football played and the venue really gives the players we have at the club an opportunity to express themselves to which they have grasped with both hands. We have been delighted that we have also been able to arrange for the reserves to play some of their fixture at the venue too. It is also fantastic news that the Rock will be our home again for next season.  

Continuing on the pitch, the management for both the first and reserve teams have deemed their respective seasons as successful ones given that it has been an improvement on the previous campaign and preseason objectives have been met. However, despite both of our teams finishing fourth in their respective leagues the management will probably look back and appreciate that some silly points were lost leaving us with a sense of what might have been. One of the most encouraging aspects this season is the amount of young talented players we have had coming to get involved with what we are trying to do. Many of these youngsters have gained valuable first team experience this season, which is a credit to them and the football club for providing that opportunity. We were delighted to enter into the U19’S competition for the first time in the clubs history this season and we can confirm that we will be entering a team again in 2018/19.

We would personally like to thank Stephen Davies, Sean Jones, Steve Lloyd Jones, Tyrone Foulkes and Andy Roberts for the parts that they played in the dugout on first team match days and in training. For the reserve team would like to say a big thank you to Tom Evans and Torne Samuels who have done fantastically well with improving our young reserve team. All players and management who represent the football club do so on a voluntary basis so we must say a huge thank you to everyone in general for all their hard work and commitment throughout the season.

Finally, on the playing side of things we would like to extend our congratulations to all the players who won awards at the presentation. The results were

FIRST TEAM

• Players Player – Conner Kendrick
• Managers Player – Kien Morris
• Managers Player – Daniel Cox
• Supporters Player – Dion Gibbins
• Top Goal Scorer – Conner Kendrick

RESERVE TEAM

• Players Player – Zac Davies
• Managers Player – Les Morris
• Supporters Player – Zac Davies
• Top Goal Scorer – Callum Mannion

We would like to say a huge thank you to our fantastic supporters (for both teams) who have followed in your numbers this season. To often have we gone away and it has felt like a home game. Come rain or shine you are always there, you lot #justcantgetenough and have done our football club proud.    

In preparation for next season, it is our main priority to retain all committee members, management and players at the football club so that we can build upon the foundations that we currently have in place. We are currently working hard to on board more committee members and distribute duties more evenly amongst the existing members to take the strain from those who are taking on too much responsibility. As this is a voluntary role, it is vitally important that it remains an enjoyment to the individual and it does not become a chore. All new committee members will be announced following the annual AGM that will take place in the last week of June. Season goals, both on and off the pitch will be set during the upcoming AGM. If anyone is interested in coming on board in whatever capacity then please contact the club, we would love more hands on deck to continue building this football club.

On the pitch, preparations for 2018/19 have already started with both teams working hard to bring in new management and players to bolster the squads. We have already confirmed all but one first team friendlies against some challenging opposition and we have a few more fixtures to arrange to complete our reserve schedule. We will announce new committee members, management and players in due course via our social media platforms.

We hope that everyone who is attending the annual Haydock Races trip has a fantastic time and we look forward to seeing you all in preseason training which starts on the 26^th June 2018. We would like to invite and encourage any new players who are thinking of coming for a look, we are a friendly bunch and you will be made to feel very welcome.

Please ensure that you support our new lucky threes throughout the summer, it will make the World Cup even more exciting knowing you could potentially scoop the jackpot.

Apologies if we have missed anyone off the list, there is just so many people who have been part of our excellent journey this season.

#UPTHEALBION
#TOGETHER