FOOTBALL
AFC Llwydcoed Welsh League/Welsh Reserve League U16 teams celebrated a record breaking season at the end-of-season presentation.
Secretary David Evans welcomed a capacity audience to their Llwydcoed HQ including parents, family members players plus distinguished guests Mike Casey, Welsh League Life Member, and his wife Jackie Casey; RCT Leader Andrew Morgan; RCT Councillors Ann Crimmings, Sharon Rees; and Vikki Howells Cynon Valley AM.
In his opening address Mr Evans thanked his wife Chris Evans for her total support, help and commitment. Also thanking the chairman Matthew Philips for his commitment, work, help and support. Howard Morgan, Stephen Jones, Steven Price, Christopher Denmead and Tudor Jenkins were thanked for their match day help.
Moving on from this, Mr Evans introduced chairman Matthew Phillips to the presentation. Mr Phillips firstly thanked the Mr Evans for all his work for the club, the club’s committee plus bar staff and special thanks to Laura Banyard for her outstanding pre-match presentation work and superb buffet.
The secretary then welcomed the AFC Llwydcoed U16 history makers’ management team – Howard John, Andy Stevenson and Michael Warren who thanked the secretary for his total commitment and help also thanking Smart Solutions for sponsoring the U16 kit and tracksuit tops. The U16 management team then thanked the club’s Welsh League management team, Lee Williams and Gareth Price for all their pre-final training coaching and support.
The AFC Llwydcoed U16 team had won the ARJFL U16 league, winning all 20 games and from there they won the SWFA U16 cup 8-2 against Port Talbot, the first team from the Cynon Valley since 1985-1986 to win the cup. What an achievement.
AFC Llwydcoed secretary then welcomed the club’s Welsh League Reserve co-manager Steve Jenkins who had taken over this season with Anthony Jones, an extremely difficult season through first team call-ups, injuries and commitment. The reward came late in the season winning a thrilling AVFL Jubilee Cup Final 6-4 in extra-time. A reward for the co-managers and long suffering players like Jonny Price, Matthew Phillips, Luke Davies, officials Tudor Jenkins and Jason Jones. On the negative side Jonny Price sustained a serious leg injury.
The first part of this outstanding presentation was the Welsh League Division Two campaign. Mr Evans informed the audience at the start of the season a new young management team took over. Manager Craig Boulton, assistant manager Tom Morris, coach James Joseph inheriting a very young, inexperienced squad full of energy and commitment. During the half way stage of the season Lee Williams and Gareth Price were brought in to support and help the current management team on and off the field. The young team finished in a very respectable eighth position. Both coManagers spoke about the season to conclude the evening’s presentations/ celebrations.
A superb presentation one to remember for years to come.