I’ve not looked back since joining Amlwch team at 48
AMLWCH Town’s Meinir Thomas began playing competitive football four years ago at the age of 48. She remains a key player for the Anglesey side as they aim to climb up the North Wales Women’s League.
I was a proper tomboy when I was growing up and all I did was play football with the boys on the school field. Osian Roberts was one of the boys I grew up with in Bodffordd. There were no girls football teams then.
My first opportunity came four years ago at the ripe old age of 48 when I started working in Amlwch Primary School and Carol Lewis, our captain, told me to come and train with them. I played the following Sunday and I haven’t looked back.
Amlwch Town Ladies is the only club I have played for. But I was honoured to be selected to play for Ynys Mon Ladies in the Island Games in Jersey in 2015 and again in Gotland this year. It was a fantastic experience to play alongside fantastic players like Katie Davies (was Williams) and Nicky Davies, the Wales goalkeeper.
My strengths are that I always give 100% in every game and I’m determined. My fitness is pretty good, too. I go into tackles with no hesitation. I never give up. I’m a team player. My weakness is I’m not clinical enough in front of goal (gaffer nodding like mad now!).
It’s been a difficult start to our season as we lost seven players to other teams, three of whom went to Welsh Premier team Caernarfon.
So we’ve had to rebuild the team. But we’re getting stronger and we’ve had a few good results like the away win to Llanidloes.
We are always on the lookout for new players. Amlwch is a great club to belong to.
We played in the final of the Betty Picketing Cup in May 2016 v Caernarfon. It was such a close match and they scored to win 1-0 with just 15 mins to go. We were gutted but so proud of our performance.
I’ve played against some very good teams. Caernarfon were very good last year and the way they won the league showed how good they were.
This year the league is a more open race so it’s gonna’ get exciting. Northop Hall are looking strong this year as are Denbigh and Bethel are on a good run. I think if Northop continue to play as they can they are going to be hard to beat.
Amlwch have players that have the potential to do very well. It’s all down to hard work and commitment.
The fact that other teams have benefited from our loss of players shows we are giving players the opportunity to develop and improve their game.
As a huge Liverpool fan I am always in awe when watching clips of Gerrard on the ball. I still watch the Champions League final in Istanbul 2005 because it was so inspirational.
The Wales women’s team have had a great run of results recently. I can see them qualifying from their group.