Clwyd South MP, Simon Baynes made a socially distanced visit last month to Cefn Druids Football Club, the oldest football club in Wales, to learn more about how they have implemented a full set of measures to ensure full Covid compliance.
On the visit, Mr Baynes met with the Club Chairman, Des Williams, and Directors Brian Jones and Steven Shakeshaft at “The Rock” in Rhosymedre, near Wrexham – the home stadium for Cefn Druids. They spoke about the history of the Club and the recent extensive investment programme which has reinvigorated the Club and its superb facilities which include the biggest playing area in Wales.
Since Simon Baynes MP’s visit, the Premier League has awarded funding for the Club as part of their Matchday Support Fund. This includes £20,000 which will help cover the costs of adjustments that need to be made to safely cater for the return of players and supporters to their stadia.
Des Williams, the Chairman of Cefn Druids Football Club, said:
“Cefn Druids are extremely pleased that Simon Baynes has taken the time to help us with the issue regarding having to play behind closed doors. We are hopeful that both Simon and Ken Skates MS will look at the issues regarding the slow demise of the Cymru Premier League and offer assistance and guidance.”
Gwyn Derfel, General Manager for the JD Cymru Premier League, said:
“All JD Cymru Premier League clubs have worked tirelessly to try to ensure that the FAW’s stringent Return to Play protocols are correctly applied. During my recent visit to The Rock, the stadium protocols were certainly effective and ensured everyone’s safety on the evening. Hopefully spectators will be allowed to return to this safe environment in the very near future which will allow Cefn Druids AFC and the other eleven Member Clubs to generate some essential income during these very testing times.”
Simon Baynes MP said:
“It was great to talk to the directors at Cefn Druids Football Club and have a constructive conversation about their concerns regarding the Covid-19 guidelines. The football club is such a huge asset to Clwyd South, being the oldest in Wales, and I was enormously impressed by their investment programme and the commitment of their players, supporters and volunteers. I want to wish everyone at the Club all the very best for the future.”
