Unsung heroes of the female game: Carol Lewis (Amlwch Town)

Carol Lewis is finally reaping the rewards she deserves for her dedication and loyalty in football.

When she was first appointed captain of Amlwch Town Ladies back in 2014/15, results were not always the best for a new and raw team.

Nonetheless, the Anglesey side had steadily improved over the years until in 2018-19 they landed their first major trophy – the North Wales Women’s League Supplementary Cup.

That 2-1 win over Wrexham in the final at Belle Vue, Rhyl, looks like proving a turning point for the islanders.

An iconic picture of Carol and Laura Eynon celebrating at the final whistle will forever live in the memory.

Just a few weeks after that success, Carol had cause for celebration again after Ynys Môn won the silver medal in the Inter-Island Games football competition, which was played on Anglesey.

A vital member of the Môn defence, Carol helped guide her island to crucial wins over Western Isles and Jersey before going down 2-1 to Isle of Man in a thrilling final at Holyhead.

To finish runners-up in a tournament where they had never made an impact before was a fantastic achievement for the Ynys Môn ladies.

There was a big spin-off bonus for Amlwch Town too, with wingers Catrin Evans and Ceri Slaney, midfield maestro Ffion Owen and left-back Beth Jones all signing for the Anglesey club for 2019-20. Prolific goalscorer Ceri Lois also joined, but injury prevented her involvement.

Although the season was cut short due to coronavirus, Amlwch still went on to win the North Wales League Division Two title – their biggest honour yet.

Town were on fire from day one, winning 9-0 at newly-formed NFA on the opening Sunday.

Goals flowed from the boots of Lexi Crawley, Ffion Owen, Cerys Gadd and Catrin Evans among others, with skipper Carol herself scoring three times.

Town’s only slip-up was a 3-3 home draw with Connah’s Quay Nomads.

Amlwch amassed 85 goals in just nine league matches.

Carol, 32, began playing football in school. Due to lack of girls teams in the area, her first real big experience was playing for Ynys Mon Under-16s.

She then stepped up to Llangefni Ladies which was the only team in the area at that time.

After moving to Amlwch, she was made captain in 2014-15 and still fondly remembers the team’s only win of that season against Northop Hall.

She also lifted the  Committee’s Player of the Year award that season.

Teacher Carol continued to work hard for her team and the last two years has seen their efforts bear fruit.

As well as her successes at club level, Carol has also represented Ynys Môn at four Island Games – 2003, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Although her talents as a player have continued to flourish, one of Carol’s major strengths is her teamwork, her effect on the dressing room and constant encouragement of team-mates.

She is respected for her play, but equally popular for the big-hearted person she is.

Never forget who is watching you, willing you to do well in everything you do.