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Prestigious platinum award for Caerphilly all girls’ club, but concerns over future home venue

News, Sport | Tom Hicks | Published: 14:38, Thursday November 16th, 2023.
Last updated: 17:51, Thursday November 16th, 2023

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Caerphilly Dragons FC is home to over 300 female footballers
Caerphilly Dragons FC is home to over 300 female footballers

Caerphilly Dragons FC have been awarded platinum accreditation by the FAW, but have serious concerns over their future as the club’s search for a home continues.

Founded in 2019 by friends James Law and Gwyn Roberts, one of the largest all-girls clubs in Wales now boasts more than 300 members from under-fives through to seniors.

Having been awarded silver accreditation by the FAW last year, the club has now received the prestigious platinum award – the top award a club can be handed.

For the award, the club has to have measures such as a B-licence coach in place, two senior sides, and evidence of supporting the community.

Despite the club “thriving” at the moment, Mr Law, who is the club’s chairman, is concerned over its future.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer he said: “We play on the artificial pitch at St Martin’s through the summer, but because of the condition of the pitch we’ve had to move some of the age groups inside to Caerphilly Leisure Centre during the winter.

“This is naturally causing problems, as trying to get nearly 40 players training inside at the same time is almost impossible.

“I predict that with our growth, in two years time we won’t be able to get all of the girls out on the pitch. We need a home.”

In the mean time, Caerphilly Dragons have played all over Caerphilly town, and look to book a pitch “wherever they can”, according to Mr Law, who now hopes to work with the FAW to find a fixed location.

He continued: “We’ll be in discussion with St Martin’s and the FAW to try and get some funding to improve the pitch. We’re happy to share it of course, we just want somewhere to play every week.

“We hate to say no and that’s something we’ll always try to avoid. But even right now we have 30-plus players on the waiting list due to the size of the age groups.”

Still “thrilled” with the achievement of platinum accreditation however, Mr Law said the club has been involved in Aber Valley FC’s foodbank project as part of a push to become more engaged in the community.

Ffion Morgan, left, and Olivia Clarke, right, with a young Caerphilly Dragons player
Ffion Morgan, left, and Olivia Clarke, right, with a young Caerphilly Dragons player

The popularity of the club is something Mr Law has spoken to Caerphilly Observer about previously. The girls were joined by members of Wales Women last year ahead of a World Cup qualifier.

He added: “Our motto here is ‘Fun, Friendship, and Fair play’. It gets competitive at U14s but even then our focus is getting more girls involved in the sport.”

Caerphilly Dragons Girls FC win the league as club continues to grow

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