Old Gold taking a lead in boosting women’s game

WITH the expansion of the female game in Wales that has seen an unprecedented increase in the number of women and girls participating in football, Carmarthen Town AFC have taken the step to become a central hub for the growth of the female game in Carmarthenshire.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) recently launched its strategy Our Wales/Ein Cymru with the vision of ensuring increased participation and quality facilities that meet the growing demand for football in Wales.

A Carmarthen Town spokesperson said: “With the new strategy setting ambitious goals to double the size of the women’s game by 2026, we as a club feel it is our role to support this strategy and help achieve these objectives.

“Starting our journey in the West Wales Women’s and Girls’ League at Tier 4 of the Welsh pyramid, we hope to be a progressive, competitive team and have aspirations to take the club to the highest level possible.

“This will of course be a big challenge, but with the employment of UEFA-qualified coaches and a group of ambitious and driven players playing in a first-class stadium, we hope to emulate the success of the men’s team and grow the profile of the game exponentially in the area.

“With future plans to bring on board an FAW development centre and an FAW under-19s team, we aim to deliver a first-class experience for all the players and families that join us for this journey.”

Open trials are now being held – the first was last night (Tuesday), with the next ones tomorrow (Thursday) at 6pm and finally on Wednesday, August 3 at 6pm.

Once selected, it is intended that the team will meet and train on Tuesdays and Fridays, having access to Richmond Park’s 3G all-weather training facility.

League games will be scheduled for Sunday afternoons or midweek under floodlights and will be played at the home of Carmarthen Town AFC, the Richmond Park 3G.

Carmarthen Town have thanked Cymru Pet Supplies who have generously agreed to sponsor the women’s team for the 2022-23 season.

Mark Aizlewood, head of coaching at Carmarthen Town AFC, said: “Over the last few seasons the club has restructured from top to bottom to give us a chance of success that is sustainable.

“Providing equal opportunities for