Sion Parry back at Llanystumdwy as player-manager

One of CPD Llanystymdwy’s most celebrated sons has returned to the club at player-manager.

Sion Parry rejoins the tier 5 North Wales Coast West Division One outfit after a spell with Nantlle Vale, where he never played a competitive game due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Parry, 24, has scored 210 goals for Llanystumdwy, winning the NWCFA Intermediate Cup in 2015-16 and netting a hat-trick in the final against Llandudno Albion.

The striker has also had stints with Porthmadog, Porthmadog Reserves and Bangor 1876. He has notched 290 goals in total across all clubs.

Sion said he is delighted to be back home, although he has dropped down a couple of levels from his capabilities.

“Being back here is like being home for me,” he said.

“I started playing football for this club when I was 5 years old, played through all youth age groups until I got to the first team. I’ve known the people that run the club for years, they’re close friends of my dad who also helps run the club.

“I’ve been to Port, Bangor 1876 and Nantlle Vale in the last few years, and I’ve enjoyed it, but now I’m back home.”

He added: “I want to thank Paps (Craig Papirnyk) at Port, Mel (Jones), Dyl (Williams) and all the coaches at 1876, and Sion Eifion and Danny Bell at Vale for giving me the chance.

“Unfortunately from a football point of view it’s got to a point where my family situation means I can’t commit to tier 3 level, to training twice a week and then to travel so far for away games, but in football one door shuts and another one opens, so I’m ready for the challenge with Llan.

“As for the future I want to be optimistic, as will every team in the league. I know there’s some strong teams in this league, and I know Llan have struggled a bit in recent seasons, so the objective will just be to improve over time and try to be competitive against every team in the league.

“If football in tier 5 has taught anyone anything it’s that you just never know what’s going to happen.”

Sion Parry – Career goals

2012/13 – 7 goals (Llanystumdwy)
2013/14 – 18 goals (Llanystumdwy)
2014/15 – 56 goals (Llanystumdwy)
2015/16 – 11 goals (Port reserves), 1 goal (Port), 31 goals (Llanystumdwy)
2016/17 – 38 goals (Llanystumdwy)
2017/18 – 60 goals (Llanystumdwy)
2018/19 – 48 goals (Port reserves), 2 goals (Port)
2019/20 – 4 goals (Port) 5 goals (Port reserves) 9 goals (Bangor 1876)

Llanystumdwy goals = 210

Career total = 290