Prestatyn Town FC to receive cash boost to help them through pandemic, but Rhyl club misses out

An MP has welcomed a cash boost for Prestatyn Town FC to help the club through the coronavirus pandemic

Like most clubs across the UK, The Seasiders have missed out on a substantial amount of revenue from matches because of Covid-19.

But its has now been thrown a lifeline thanks to an agreement between the National Lottery and FA Wales, led by the UK Government.

It was announced on Friday that the club will receive funding from the £750,000 pot while matches continue to be played behind closed doors.

However, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has expressed frustration that CPD Y Rhyl 1879 (Rhyl FC) has missed out on the money due to being ineligible.

The MP raised the plight of the club with the Secretary of State for Wales in the House of Commons on Wednesday and has sent a letter to the CEO of the Football Association of Wales appealing urgently for support

He said: “I am absolutely delighted that Prestatyn Town FC are going to receive the support they need to help them through these extremely challenging times, but at the same time I’m severely disappointed that CPD Y Rhyl 1870 have missed out.

“The club has been central to the community of Rhyl for 141 years and have had some fantastic successes during that time.

“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that because Rhyl FC went into liquidation earlier this year and the club needed to re-establish for financial reasons, it now finds itself playing in tier 4 for now, and consequently does not qualify for support, despite still facing tier 1 bills and no match day income.

“In view of the unique circumstances surrounding Rhyl’s position, my letter to the Football Association of Wales urges them to explore options for the club to benefit from funding that they may be in a position to allocate.”

He added: “With the UK still fighting to get Covid cases under control, it seems unlikely that football clubs will be able to welcome back fans into their grounds any time soon, so will therefore be very much dependent on financial assistance going forward.

“Friday was a day of relief for clubs throughout Wales, but sadly not CPD Y Rhyl 1879. I very much hope the FAW are able to respond positively to my letter.”

Main image; “PRESTATYN TOWN FC MURAL?” by MRGABOURNE is licensed under CC BY 2.0