Archive Council News

05 February 2008

Cross Lanes Youngsters Football Success

A local councillor has scored a hit with young people in her area by arranging football sessions for them at Queensway Stadium.

Councillor June Fearnall became aware that residents were concerned about the amount of football that was being played in and around the Cross Lanes area. June soon went out and spoke with the youngsters involved and offered to set up the sessions.

The sessions take place every Friday night and have been very well attended since October. Individual team members have undertaken leadership courses and are now club and team captains, there are also plans for more courses to increase their skill levels.

Funding of £1,000 was obtained from the Community Chest in support of the project and the team now proudly boast their own Yellow and Black football kit which was presented to them by the Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Joan Lowe, at the Guildhall. The funding was also use to hire the pitch at Queensway as there are no facilities locally.

The sessions have proved so popular that the club is also looking for a manager and coach and intend to register in the Football Association Wales' North East Wales Division 3 league.

Plans for the coming months include entering the Mini Euro 2008 tournament organised by Wrexham Council's Sports Development team and the Community Safety Partnership. Regular games are already taking with teams from Plas Madoc and the team are hoping to arrange a knock out with Wrexham South police during Easter.

Cllr June Fearnall said:

"Standing on the goal line at Queensway Stadium on a freezing, wet and windy Friday evening in November did make me wonder what I had got myself into but the commitment and enthusiasm of the players has made it a very rewarding experience.

We have received support from many avenues, the Community Chest grant which has allowed us to purchase new kits and hire the hall, the Council's Sports Development Department who have helped enormously with the setting up and running of the scheme and of course I must thank Andrew Harradine and Sandra Ashfield of Plas Madoc's Communities First whose advice, experience and cooperation have been invaluable and also Claire Burrows of Wrexham Council's Sports Development team who has been on board with us from the beginning."

The team are now looking for more members and helpers to ensure its future and anyone interested should contact Cllr June Fearnall on 01978 780284

The team is also looking for further financial support to ensure its future and anyone able to help should again contact June on the above number.