By Nicola Johns
Four local teenage footballers are hoping to reach the top of their sport after being selected to play for a new club.
Matthew Johns, Sam Jones, Liam Wilson, all 17-years-old, and Nicky Jones, aged 13, (all Bedwas High Pupils) have recently been selected to play for Welsh League Division 1 club Monmouth Town FC – one of the top 50 clubs in Wales.
All the lads have developed their skills at local community junior clubs BTM United and Machen Devils as well as all representing Caerphilly County through the CCBC Academy.
While Nicky represents Monmouth FC Academy in the FAW academy league, the other three lads are regular U19 players for Monmouth in the East Division Welsh League and all three have already had their senior débuts.
This has all been possible due to the dedication and hard work put in by the lads along with the expertise and huge amount of time put in by volunteers at BTM United and Machen Devils in helping them develop their skills from an early age.
The lads are juggling their football along with part-time jobs and school.
Matt, Sam and Liam are all studying for A Levels but there are financial demands involved in playing for a club at his level and Matt has been lucky enough to gain sponsorship for his training expenses and kit thanks to two local businesses – SG Partnership and South Wales Transmissions.
If any other local companies would be interested in sponsoring any of the other lads for a relatively small amount we would be extremely grateful.
More information on the club can be found at www.monmouthtownfc.com