Having called for support for football clubs in Wales in Parliament earlier this week, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed Friday’s announcement that Prestatyn Football Club has been awarded funding to help them through the pandemic, but is gravely disappointed that CPD Y Rhyl 1870 (Rhyl FC) have missed out.
Like most clubs, Prestatyn Town FC have lost substantial revenue from matches because of Covid, but have now been thrown a lifeline thanks to an agreement between the National Lottery and FA Wales, led by the UK Government. They will receive funding from the £750,000 pot while matches continue to be played behind closed doors owing to Covid-19 restrictions.
However, having specifically raised the plight of CPD Y Rhyl 1870 (Rhyl FC) with the Secretary of State for Wales in the House of Commons on Wednesday, James is frustrated that their unique situation has rendered them ineligible and has sent a letter to the CEO of the Football Association of Wales appealing urgently for support
He said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Prestatyn Town FC are going to receive the support they need to help them through these extremely challenging times, but at the same time I’m severely disappointed that CPD Y Rhyl 1870 have missed out.
“The club has been central to the community of Rhyl for 141 years and have had some fantastic successes during that time. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that because Rhyl FC went into liquidation earlier this year and the club needed to re-establish for financial reasons, It now finds itself playing in tier 4 for now, and consequently does not qualify for support, despite still facing tier 1 bills and no match day income.
“In view of the unique circumstances surrounding Rhyl’s position, my letter to the Football Association of Wales urges them to explore options for the club to benefit from funding that they may be in a position to allocate.”
He added:
"With the UK still fighting to get Covid cases under controI, it seems unlikely that football clubs will be able to welcome back fans into their grounds any time soon, so will therefore be very much dependent on financial assistance going forward.
“Friday was a day of relief for clubs throughout Wales, but sadly not CPD Y Rhyl 1870. I very much hope the FAW are able to respond positively to my letter.”
