Plans to expand women’s football in North Wales are launched through new recreational league

Attention all women footballers in North Wales – whether you be experienced or a beginner.

A new league is looking for teams in a bid to get more females than ever playing the game.

Craig Richards, manager of Llysfaen Lionesses, is setting up a North Wales Ladies Recreational Football League.

The league at present will hopefully consist of up to eight teams:
Dragonhearts FC
Eglwysbach Queen Bees FC
Penrhyn Bay Panthers FC
Mochdre Lionesses FC
Llanfairfechan Town Ladies FC
Llysfaen Ladies Lionesses FC

All the above six are in and possibly two others will join, namely: Henllan Hurricanes FC and Pentre Ladies FC.

The league works very flexibly in that each team will be able to choose their own fixture days that is best for both sides.

A match can be anything from six-a-side to nine-a-side depending on how many players each team has or can raise.

The players can be aged from 16 to 60 plus and each team must have a mixture of beginners and ex-league players, or ladies that have played before.

Craig said: “It is a great way for new players to get involved. Lots of ladies who have never played football before can take part, or ex-players who got too busy, had family or got injured can also join in.”

Games comprise 20-minute thirds, making matches one hour long with small breaks after each 20.

If the league gets eight or more members, the teams will be split into two groups playing home and away.

With all teams making the next round you are just playing for your ranking; for example (with 8 teams) Group A top team would play bottom of Group B in the next stage – a knock-out round.

The draw for the next round would work out as:
Group A 1st v Group B 4th
Group A 2nd v Group B 3rd
Group B 2nd v Group A 3rd
Group B 1st v Group A 4th

If the league attracted 9 or 10 teams, this would create extra places in the groups, but then the fifth-place team will play the fourth in the opposite group to make the next stage.

Craig explained: “This is to guarantee every team has games but not too many where clubs would struggle to make a team and also so they won’t struggle financially.
“It also gives everyone the chance to win it. The group winners should receive winners medals as well as the overall winners and runners up. We need to get it to as many clubs across North Wales as possible; there might be a small village wanting a ladies team but cannot get 11. This way seven players would be enough. It is more based on fun than anything and getting out there and trying something new. The league is also looking for a sponsor.
“We are not, however, going to be affiliated with the NWCFA as it does not suit the needs of the current clubs.”

If any clubs are interested text Craig on 07887405505 or e-mail to craigcarew@yahoo.co.uk

The initial closing date to join is August 25, but after that the league might be able to take new teams in September, when fixtures are due to start on a monthly basis.