Holywell Girls & Ladies FC find a new home – at a cricket club!

Holywell Girls & Ladies Football Club will play their home matches at Carmel & District Cricket Club from the 2020-21 season after the two Flintshire sports teams announced a strategic partnership.

Central to the relationship will be improvement to the facilities at Carmel’s Pen-y-Gelli ground, three miles outside the town of Holywell, with preliminary work already underway.

The partnership will not only see both clubs expand, but help to secure the long-term future of cricket for both sexes and girls’ football within the Holywell area.

Long-term plans include the development of youth and adult female teams in both sports, expanding playing areas and increasing the number of grass football pitches.

“It was clear both clubs share the same vision and passion for sport, and how all children should be afforded the same opportunities in life,” said Fiona Lambrecht, chairperson of HG&LFC.

“Many of our girls would not have the opportunity to travel elsewhere to train and play, but more than that our new home will be somewhere for them to learn some social skills, encourage to talk and make friends with others, and understand that gender equality is paramount today.

“The main aim is to have the feeling of a safe place for all girls. Somewhere they can be creative, interact before, after and during their football training and matches.”

Andrew Abraham, Carmel chairperson, added: “We are blessed with having one of the largest cricket grounds in North Wales which, outside of the summer months, is rarely used so we are happy to accommodate the Wellwomen.

“Like ourselves, HG&LFC have a committed and ambitious group of volunteers, and this really feels a seismic moment in the history of both clubs and for sport in Holywell.

“Cricket is also one of the fastest growing sports for women and we’re hopeful this will be catalyst to kick start interest in the summer game among girls and ladies in the area.”

HG&LFC have teams at U8s, U10s, U12s, U14s, U16s and ladies with over 100 players. Contact them via Twitter, Facebook or on 07368 214177.

Carmel cater for anyone interested in cricket from U6 to 60+ visit http://www.carmelcc.co.uk or e-mail carmelcricket@hotmail.co.uk for more information.