20 questions with Ffion Thomas (Llangefni Town)

Ever-smiling, ever-scoring, much-loved Ffion – another popular member of the Llangefni Town Ladies squad.

Grassroots North Wales asked the in-form winger 20 questions on football and beyond.

What is your full name, date of birth, where do you live and what is your occupation?

Ffion Thomas

11/07/1996

Llanfairpwll

Assistant Psychologist

Is there any football history in your family?

Most of my family used to play football as kids, my dad, my cousins, and we are all Liverpool mad!

When did you start playing football and what attracted you to the game?

Around age 6 for Glantraeth Juniors! It’s all I ever wanted to do as a child, always getting called in when it was raining, or being told off for kicking a ball in the house!

What is your current favoured position? Have you always played there?

Winger. I’ve always played either wing or up front. I love a good 1 on 1 on the wing and the space you have to work with.

Before joining Llangefni Town, did you play for anyone else?

Llangefni Girls until around 14, and North Wales at the time. I tried to start back a few times after that, I was just so busy with work and education, I’ve not had the opportunity until last season.

Have you been with the current Llangefni Town since the start, when you joined the North Wales League in 2021-22? How is the team performing now as opposed to the early days?

I joined half way through last season. We are performing much better this season. I think we’re much fitter and much more confident this season.

Which team-mate is the best trainer?

Tough one! We’re all quite competitive in training too. I think the first person that came to mind here was Ellie (Coulson), but we all train well.

Dan Gregg has done a great job as Llangefni manager. Has adding Liam Ewing to the management team been a success? In what way has Liam benefited the squad?

Yes definitely, we’re really lucky to have both of them. Over the summer Liam really pushed us with our fitness. At the time we were in agony and shattered! But it has helped us so much.

The goals are starting to flow for you this season. What do you put that down to?

I’d say fitness and confidence. Having the energy to make a sprint on the counter, and the confidence to run with the ball and take on a player.

What is your personal favourite goal so far?

I’m going to say my header last week because I never score headers!

What has been Llangefni’s best performance since you joined them?

I think there’s been a few games recently, the Northop Hall and Llanfairfechan games we were really strong, and hopefully we can keep that going now.

What final position in the league would you be happy with this season?

Top 4

What was the reaction in the squad when Dan was appointed manager for the Ynys Môn Ladies in the Island Games?

Everyone was really pleased for him! We love his passion for the game because we share it too, and this just means he gets to show what he’s about to a wider audience, he deserves it.

What do you get most out of being a Llangefni player?

I love our team spirit, we’re a proper footballing family. We walked into the dressing room last week and Liam and Dan had put a few words of wisdom up on the walls and it’s just things like that that makes this team so special.

Away from football, what do you enjoy doing?

Usually having a cup of tea with family & friends! Or watching a few documentaries.

Are you well organised for Christmas? Or totally (like myself) disorganised? 😂😂

I’ve bought one present so far, I always leave it last minute. I’m not going to kid myself that it’s going to be any different this year haha.

Should Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen continue to play for Wales or have they had their time?

The memories they gave us in the Euros that year are irreplaceable. I think it’s important to have a balance between youth and experience, so I think it’s good to keep them in the setup and also at the same time we need to start building for the future. It’s a tough one.

Do you believe the Wales Women’s team needs new blood? or should they stick with the tried and tested?

I think we should stick with it at the moment, and also maybe give some of the youngsters a chance to come through.

Which team-mate makes you laugh the most?

I was only saying in the group chat the other day, how you could be having a really bad day, and Jen (Cox) would have sent a hilarious Snapchat or something that would completely cheer you up. Meg Summers also has a few memorable one liners!

What are your hopes for 2023?

To keep enjoying playing football, and keep pushing this team as far as we can go.