Bethesda resign from North Wales Women’s Football League – but they have not folded

Bethesda Ladies have resigned from the North Wales Women’s League one game into the season.

But the team will continue to play football in the new North Wales Recreational League.

Last term’s Division Two champions have been badly struggling for players and suffered a disastrous start to the 2019-20 campaign last Sunday with an 18-1 home loss to Rhyl.

Very few players remain from last season and the team fielded last weekend largely comprised untried youngsters plus a makeshift goalkeeper.

“Due to us having a number of inexperienced players, and others unable to commit, we have decided to resign from the league,” said a Bethesda Athletic spokesperson.

“Under the current situation we will struggle badly to compete and feel it is best for us to make this move now, rather than prolong things.

“The good news is, Bethesda Athletic Ladies will continue playing in the North Wales Recreational League, which will more meet our current needs and abilities. We do hope to rebuild and return to the North Wales League in the future.”

Bethesda formed its first ever women’s team last season and won their first 10 matches to secure the North Wales League Division Two title.

Captain Katie Midwinter, who had spent her entire career with Bethel, joined Pesda in summer 2018 and led the team to championship glory. Her 25 goals last season made her top goalscorer among North Wales players in the league.

However, towards the end of last season, problems began to emerge with player unavailability and this continued into the current summer.

North Wales Women’s League secretary Emma Iball confirmed Bethesda have resigned.