Gronant Football Club changes association to play under in 2022-23

Newly-named CPD Gronant have taken the decision to resign from the North Wales Coast FA and play their football in the North East Wales League this season.

Formerly known as Llanelwy Athletic, the club was crowned undefeated Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Division One champions in their debut campaign of 2018-19, but finished next-to-bottom of the Premier the season after, which was shortened due to Covid.

In 2021-22, they competed in the North Wales Coast East League Division One, finishing up fourth.

The club say the decision to change associations has been forced upon them over the right to use the name Gronant. The village of Gronant is located just outside the NWCFA attachment area.

On top of running a first team, the club has entered an under-19 squad into the Flintshire Junior League and therefore see the switch as a sign of purpose.

CPD Gronant representatives spoke with North East Wales FA secretary David Fawkes.

In a statement, the club said: “We thought David had stressed good options and acted professionally, which was really refreshing. The meeting went extremely well.”

Gronant will enter the North East Wales Football League in 2022-23.

The club will train through the winter as always at Rhyl Sports Centre.

“Nothing has changed and the aim is the same, to progress up the tiers,” added the statement.

“The club currently holds a tier 4 ground criteria with plans already in place and underway to become eligible for tier 3 by the end of next season.”

Manager Sandy Malone reports the squad has undergone a major overhaul with 16 new players signed. A small core has been retained from last season.

The club has other ambitious plans in the pipeline.