New management team take over Mountain Rangers Lamas

Mountain Rangers Ladies football team have appointed an experienced management duo to replace the outgoing Irfon Hughes.

Elena Julio and Sara Williams have taken over the running of the side from Hughes, who has stepped down after two years in charge.

Both were players with the Lamas last season, although Elena had a long lay-off due to a broken collar-bone.

Like all the Rangers players, the pair suffered from a lack of action due to the weather and early ending of the 2019-20 campaign due to coronavirus.

Despite playing so few matches, however, the Lamas did show a lot of promise in North Wales League Division Two.

Elena began her football career playing for Caernarfon-based Cae Glyn United Under-9 boys.

She went on to feature in goal for several seasons at Caernarfon Town, helping the team win the North Wales League title in 2016-17.

The 29-year-old went on to join Llandudno before signing for newly-formed Mountain Rangers, where she has been a major influence for the past two seasons.

Defender Sara first played football for Llechid Celts as an eight-year-old.

Her first senior team were Colwyn Bay, then North Wales League champions.

Over the years she has also worn the colours of Llandudno Junction, Amlwch Town, Caernarfon Town and Llandudno before switching to Mountain Rangers last season.

She has captained Caernarfon in the Welsh Premier and is capable of playing in any position, including goalkeeper.

A true 100% player, she is highly respected in North Wales football circles.

Elena and Sara are good friends who have known one another for many years and they cannot wait to get started in their new roles.

On Irfon Hughes’ stepping down, club chairman Martin Jones said: “Massive thank you to Irfon Hughes not only for managing the Lamas but to help set it up, from the four girls that originally turned up for training to getting the club a top four spot after two seasons is an amazing feat wouldn’t you all agree.

“His motivation and desire to win will be sorely missed. He will still be involved in the junior set up, men’s seniors and committee along with other day to day jobs of running the club.”

Hughes said: “After two amazing years of being the proud manager of the first ever Mountain Rangers ladies team, I have sadly decided to step down due to other commitments.

“It has been a privilege to be part of an historic team and to see the ladies put 110% into every game.

“It’s incredible how much the Lamas have progressed over the past two seasons. They are always willing to listen, learn and develop as players. I cannot put in words how much respect I have for every one of them.

“I would like to thank the chairman, the secretary and all of the volunteers and committee members for their support over the last two seasons, but most of all the biggest thank you goes out to the girls.”