Referees meet at Dragon Park
The second annual Football Association of Wales National Referees Conference was held in Dragon Park, Newport over the weekend.
Over 50 National list referees and assistants attended the two-day season’s opener to welcome in the new 2015-16 season.
The Conference kicked-off on Saturday morning with all referees taking the mandatory fitness test, which consisted of 6 x 40m sprints. This was followed by the 10-lap track endurance test.
The afternoon session began bilaterally, with a seminar from Cardiff Metropolitan University psychology lecturer Alex McInch addressing the referees with a seminar on Recovering from Mistakes, whilst the National list referee assessors broke out into a session with new Referees Manager Ray Ellingham on the Consistencies of Assessors.
Former World Cup referee Alan Snoddy from Northern Ireland then delivered the first of his key-note speeches with a presentation on Game Management.
Day 1 concluded with Professional Game Match Officials Ltd Assistant Referee Senior Coach Adam Watts – an FA Cup Final assistant referee in 2011 – who delivered a seminar on Offside. All attendees then reflected on a demanding first day with the official evening dinner in St Pierre Hotel and Country Club.
The second day commenced with a session from new FAW Referees Fitness Coach Mark Whitby, before Snoddy delivered his second presentation of the Conference on the Handball. The morning concluded with Danny Sears from Sport Radar, presenting on an Integrity Education workshop.
The final session of the Conference commenced with a session from referee fitness expert, Simon Breivik, before Snoddy concluded his work with his third and final presentation on Teamwork. The FAW Referees Manager, Ellingham then brought the curtain down on an invigorating two days with his seminar by looking forward to the 2015-16 season.
Attendance boom at WPL club summer matches
Over 10,000 people have attended matches at Dafabet Welsh Premier League grounds this summer in domestic and European competitions.
Dafabet Welsh Premier League club administrators promoting season ticket sales at this time of year will be delighted to learn that over 10,000 people have attended matches at WPL grounds this summer, writes Aberystwyth Town Media Director Thomas Crockett.
Four figure crowds are becoming commonplace for WPL Clubs with eight such attendances in the past 3 months alone.
The WPL's Summer Attendance Boom has been driven by excellent performances in European Competitions this season, with Welsh Clubs winning five and drawing two of their 12 UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches, earning two additional sell out games for TNS and Newtown. WPL clubs also hosted two big end of season Finals in May, in the Welsh Cup and UEFA Europa League Play Offs, and Rhyl's friendly this week against an Everton XI also drew a four figure crowd.
Club Treasurers will be hoping that this huge increase in interest in the WPL will translate into a boost in season ticket sales and attendances for Dafabet WPL League matches, so that last year's growth is built upon in 2015/6.
FAW Head of Competitions Andrew Howard said: “Ever since the Welsh Cup Final was played over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, we have seen a welcome attendance spike. The significance of the matches has been a catalyst, but the weather has also been a factor as people like to be outdoors when its pleasant – That is an argument for more domestic matches at this time of year of course!
“Having attended the majority of the games myself, there is certainly a buzz around the place, with a real heart of the community feel. The engagement between players and fans has been clear to see, which is developing our players into great role models for the growing number of young fans. We sincerely hope that this continues at Dafabet Welsh Premier League matches."
Nine of the Best - a look in detail at those Big Summer Blockbusters
May 2 Welsh Cup Final
Newtown v TNS | 1,579
May 17 UEFA Europa League Play Off Final
Aberystwyth Town v Newtown | 1,012
July 2 UEFA Europa League
Newtown v Valletta | 1,420
July 2 UEFA Europa League
Airbus v Lokomotiva Zagreb | 548
July 7 UEFA Champions League
TNS v B36 | 1,148
July 9 UEFA Europa League
Bala v Differdange | 1,049
July 14 UEFA Champions League
TNS v Videoton | 1,068
July 22 Friendly
Rhyl v Everton U21 | 1,243
July 23 UEFA Europa League
Newtown v Copenhagen | 1,420
Average across those 9 fixtures | 1,165
NEWS
ABERYSTWYTH TOWN
Friendly:
25th JulyAberystwyth Town v Llangefni Town3-0
Rhys Griffiths scored on his home debut to put Aber 1-0 up in the first half. in the 54th minute Darren Thomas went on a swashbuckling run right at the heart of the home defence and beat four players before crossing for Griffiths to control and convert to double the lead. Six minutes later Kellaway again caused havoc down the right and his arrowed cross into the box was turned past his own keeper by the unfortunate Andy Sinclair for Aber's third.
Aberystwyth Town FC Early Bird Season Tickets for 2015/6 will be available for sale at Saturday's Pre Season Friendly against Llangefni Town, at the knock down price of £80.
All applications received with payment by Friday 7th August will be guaranteed the Early Bird rate, and thereafter the price will rise to £85.
Season Tickets for Over 65s will be available for £50, while Under 16s Season Tickets will cost a mere £10. A Family Season Ticket is also available providing admission for 2 Adults and 2 Children for £160.
Finally Vice President Season Tickets will be available for £150, providing access to every League & League Cup home game, free match day programmes for each game and an official Aberystwyth Town Football Club tie, Scarf or Hat. Vice Presidents will automatically become members of Aberystwyth Town Football Club Ltd.
Supporters unable to attend on Saturday can email a request for a Season Ticket Application form to the Club at .
The Black and Greens enjoyed their best season for many years last time round, competing in the UEFA Europa League and the Top Six for the first time, reaching and hosting the Europa League Play Off Final, and finishing fourth. Attendances at Park Avenue rocketed and over 9,600 people attended Aber's home games, producing the WPL's second best overall average attendance of 458.
With the retention of all their major players, including WPL Player of the Season and Top Scorer Chris Venables, and the exciting signings of Rhys Griffiths, Lee Surman and Darren Griffiths, 2015/6 is guaranteed to produce another thrilling ride, and can guarantee yourself a front row seat from start to finish for just £80.
Admission prices for WPL games at Park Avenue next season will remain the cheapest in the Dafabet WPL at £6 for Adults, £4 for Concessions, £1 for Children over 11, and free for under 11s.
AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON
Friendly:
21st July Airbus UK Broughton v Cammell Laird8-1
23rd July Airbus UK Broughton v Gresford Athletic9-2
AIRBUS UK Broughton FC wishes to announce the departure of Andy Morrison from his role of assistant manager by mutual consent.
Club chairman Micky Mayfield said: "I would like to thank Andy for his efforts at the club, helping to develop the team to the level that they now play at.
"We all wish him every success for the future."
An announcement on Andy’s replacement will be announced in due course.
Andy Morrison joined the Wingmakers in January 2012 along with director of football Andy Preece and has been an integral part of the club's success in achieving European qualification in three consecutive seasons.
This article is courtesy of the Airbus UK Broughton FC website.
BALA TOWN
Friendly:
21st JulyColwyn Bay v Bala Town 1-1
25thJulySouth Liverpool v Bala Town0-4
The first came when a Thompson ball found Mark Jones who teed up the ball on a plate for Mark Connolly who slotted home from 12 yards. Then Trialist A picked up the ball after his initial chance was blocked and swivelled the ball over the defence, hit the bar which fell downwards over the goalline to make it 2-0.
Two goals in the final couple of minutes by Mike Hayes made it 4-90 and a good Lakesiders display.
Photo: Connolly fires home at South Liverpool
An exciting opportunity has arisen for any coaches who are both enthusiastic and have a dedication for football to join one of the best FAW Academies in North Wales
Bala Town F.C. Academy are currently recruiting for exciting and inspirational coaches to help support academy teams for the season 2015/16.
Current roles of a coach would be -
− Help assist head coaches deliver high quality coaching sessions to academy teams
- Support head coaches prepare teams on Match days
- Recruit new and exciting players into the ever growing academy
Becoming an academy coach you will receive -
− Official Bala Town FC training kit
− Free access to certain FAW coach education courses (Eg FAW Football leaders award)
− Access to Bala Town FC Academy Sport Session Planner with over 50,000 free football drills and sessions.
− Reduced price in admission to all Bala Town FC’s Welsh Premier League games.
− Become part of a fantastic coaching family
If interested please contact Dewi Llion or Jack Ellis on the contact information below –
Dewi Llion: 07795576202. Email:
Jack Ellis: 07583592073. Email:
BANGOR CITY
Friendly
July 18thBangor City v Tranmere Rovers1-0
July 25thBangor City v Guilsfield FC2-3
BANGOR City notched their first win of pre-season on Tuesday evening with an impressive 1-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers.
A solitary Les Davies goal handed the Citizens victory over the National League side, who started the match with six trialists.
Midfielder Ashley Young and defender Matty Woodward were among the trialists to start and complete the full 90 minutes for Bangor, while fellow trialists Liam Gibson, Jamie McDonald and Mike Elstone were introduced as second half substitutes.
With manager Nev Powell on holiday, assistant Derek Goulding took over the reins.
He said: “They [Tranmere] certainly had the quality of a Welsh Premier side and it allowed us to play football and put on a decent display.
“We’re trying to improve the squad and make it stronger and better and these lads have been brought in to try and do that.Hopefully they’ll like what they see and they’ll fit in well in our plans and our system, and get them signed and sorted.”
City have two more friendlies lined up over the next week, with Guilsfield visiting Nantporth on Saturday (2.30pm), before they entertain Wrexham next Tuesday evening (7.15pm).
Match Report by Tomos Hughes, North Wales Chronicle ''
Tuesday 28th July will see Wrexham travel to Bangor for a pre-season friendly KO 7.15pm
Get down to Nantporth on Tuesday 28th July as Bangor City host Wrexham AFC in another exciting pre-season friendly, 7.15pm KO.
After an excellent performance and win against Tranmere Rovers last Tuesday Bangor will host Guilsfield this coming Saturday 2.30pm KO before welcoming Gary Mills's men to the Book People Stadium on Tuesday night.
Admission prices for the game are as follows - Adults - £8, Concessions - £6, Children (up to and including 12) £2
CARMARTHEN TOWN
Friendlies:
July 18thCarmarthen Town v Cardiff City XI0-1
July 25thMerthyr Town v Carmarthen Town5-0
A goal from Taylor on 22 minutes followed by a Prosser brace gave the hosts a 3 - 0 lead at the break. The Old Gold were unable to respond in the second half and Merthyr ran in comfortable winners after Hill made it four.
gap CONNAH’S QUAY
Friendly:
18th JulyConwy Borough v gap Connah’s Quay1-4
25th JulyCPD Porthmadog v gap Connah’s Quay0-5
The Nomads won their third game of the 2015/16 season campaign 5-0 at Porthmadog FC, with the scorers a trialist, Miller, Linwood, Rushton and Jack Chambers.
NEWTOWN AFC
Friendly:
25thJulyNewtown AFC v AFC Telford UnitedP-P
EUROPEAN success has brought a boom in attendances to the delight of club officials.
Since the Robins took their place alongside The New Saints in May's Welsh Cup Final they have seen their three home clashes bring in over 1,000.
Just under 1,600 saw the Robins lose to the Saints but since then crowds have stayed the same.
Over 1,000 saw Chris Hughes' side beat Aberystwyth Town in the play-off final and two 1,420 sell-out crowds saw the Robins in their win over Valletta and their 3-1 defeat to FC Copenhagen last week..
Adding to this, 75 fans travelled out to Malta to cheer on the Robins, and around 40 made the trip to Denmark last week.
A statement from the club has given a big thanks to the supporters for their attendance at the games.
A statement said: "We have seen a great rise in our attendances and that has been down to our European qualification.
"To get two crowds like that has been amazing and we could have sold last night's game out three times over.We have had people coming from afar to watch the lads, but also people from the town, who don't come to Latham Park an awful lot have come to support the lads.
"The hope is now that these people will return, and although our attendances might not be like this for the league games, we are hoping to see are rise in them."
Newtown have been the best attended Welsh Premier League side in the Europe this summer, and FAW Head of Competitions Andrew Howard, who was at last night's game is pleased with the summer games.
He said: “Ever since the Welsh Cup Final was played over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, we have seen a welcome attendance spike. The significance of the matches has been a catalyst, but the weather has also been a factor as people like to be outdoors when its pleasant – That is an argument for more domestic matches at this time of year of course!
“Having attended the majority of the games myself, there is certainly a buzz around the place, with a real heart of the community feel. The engagement between players and fans has been clear to see, which is developing our players into great role models for the growing number of young fans. We sincerely hope that this continues at Dafabet Welsh Premier League matches."
Season tickets for the coming season are now on sale at a bargain £80 price. For more information call 01686 626159...
PORT TALBOT TOWN
Friendlies:
July 26thUndy Athletic v Port Talbot Town1-1
The Steelmen are delighted to welcome 24 year old central defender, Dave Vincent to the club. Dave has played most of his football at Welsh League club Caerau Ely and has recently been on trial at League Two club Newport County AFC.
Port Talbot Town manager, Andy Dyer, says he is delighted to have secured Dave`s signature as he had several clubs tracking him. He is a quality signing for us who I am sure will have no problem adjusting to the Welsh Premier League
The club are delighted to confirm admission prices for the forthcoming 2015/2016 Dafabet Welsh Premier League season which kicks off on Saturday 22nd August 2015 with the visit of European heroes Bala Town.
Matchday admission prices will be £ 6.00 for Adults £ 4.00 for OAPS/Concessions and just a £ 1.00 for all Children under the age of 16.
The Steelmen have also confirmed their SEASON TICKET prices for the forthcoming campaign and they are as follows
£ 80.00 for ADULTS, £ 60.00 for OAPS/CONCESSIONS and £ 20.00 for all Children under the age of 16
However, you can take full advantage of the club`s EARLY BIRD offer by purchasing your season tickets on or before Monday 10th August 2015. All supporters doing so will pay the following
£ 70.00 for ADULTS, £ 50.00 for OAPS/CONCESSIONS and just £ 15.00 for all Children under the age of 16
For any supporters wishing to order Season Tickets then please email Tony Melding at
Academy Director, Mark Pike, is celebrating another terrific achievement. Mark has won the regional south Wales category McDonald`s Welsh Community Football Awards in the performance and development criteria of grass roots and youth football.
As a regional winner Mark`s name will also be put forward to a panel, which includes Ryan Giggs and Chris Coleman, who decide the national award winners.The winners will be invited to attend a national ceremony before the Wales versus Andorra match which will include a Q & A session with Ryan Giggs himself.
Winners of the national award will be told no later then the end of week commencing the 2nd of September.
Everyone at Port Talbot Town Football Club sends their congratulations to Mark on this terrific award.
It was stalemate Sunday when Port Talbot Town travelled to Welsh League Division Two side Undy Athletic to continue their build up to the new 2015/2016 Dafabet Welsh Premier League season and played out a 1-1 draw.
The game was played in poor conditions with heavy rain making life difficult for the players and Andy Dyer fielded quite a strong team for the game.
The visitors fell behind after just fourteen minutes when Dan Jarman rounded `keeper` Stephen Cann and fired home from an acute angle. Their joy though was short lived because within six minutes the Steelmen were back on level terms when Leon Jeanne got the by-line and crossed for Chris Jones to head home.