Fantastic news for CPD Y Rhyl 1879!

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 can finally call their famous stadium ‘home’ – they have officially purchased Belle Vue!

After years of hope, the dream has been realised.

It is an historic milestone for a club born as recently as 2020 – a club completely different from the former Rhyl FC, which folded in the same year after 141 years representing the town.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 currently play in the tier 3 Ardal North West League, but have ambition to progress much higher.

The club released the following statement today:

“Just over four years ago, CPD Y Rhyl 1879 was born – a fresh start, a new club entirely different from the former Rhyl FC. With nothing but ambition and a blank piece of paper, our directors sketched out a bold five-year plan. At the time, there were no teams, no players, no kit, no ground to play on – not even a club logo. But from this blank slate, something truly extraordinary has been built.

“The vision was crystal clear: build a football club with deep community roots both on and off the pitch. The goals? To secure promotion for both our men’s and women’s teams from their respective leagues, to grow our girls’ teams, and eventually to establish and expand boys’ teams.

“Off the pitch, the aim was equally ambitious – to cement lasting community ties while ensuring that the club’s future would never be threatened by the financial perils that had brought the former club to its knees. Unlike other clubs, which often prioritise profits or focus solely on the men’s side of the game, CPD Y Rhyl 1879 set out with a mission to create a sustainable, inclusive community-centred model.

“But there was one dream that stood out, both audacious and optimistic – a dream that even the former Rhyl FC had never achieved: to bring our beloved home, Belle Vue, back into community ownership.

“Raising half a million pounds was never going to be easy, especially without a wealthy benefactor or risking the club’s financial future. Yet, fast-forward four years, and look at us now! With over 200 players, both women’s and men’s teams competing in Tier 2 and Tier 3 leagues respectively, countless community events, and businesses benefiting from the club’s revitalised position, we have become a beacon of local pride.

“While many milestones have been reached, one elusive goal remained – ownership of the famous Belle Vue stadium. Despite countless discussions with organisations, businesses, and potential investors, the right deal on the right terms always seemed just out of reach. Though tempting offers were made, they came with strings attached, and we stood firm in our resolve, unwilling to compromise our principles or our future.

“At times, it felt like a distant dream, perhaps even impossible. But our relentless determination has finally borne fruit. As we proudly announced on 22nd March 2024, after years of hard work and perseverance, we secured the necessary funds to purchase Belle Vue. The bulk of the funding came from the Community Ownership Fund, with additional support from the FAW and club savings. With everything in place, we were able to take up the option to buy Belle Vue from our generous landlord, Mr (David) Butters.

“And now, we can share the most momentous news in our club’s history: CPD Y Rhyl 1879 has officially purchased Belle Vue Stadium – IT’S OURS! Every blade of grass, every floodlight, every building, and even the car park now belongs to our club and our community for generations to come.

“This monumental achievement wouldn’t have been possible without a number of key supporters. A special thank you goes out to our legal partners, Gamlins, the former and current governments, Dr James Davies, Gareth Davies, Noel Mooney, and everyone at the FAW, all of our sponsors, fans, players, coaches, parents / carers and of course our committed volunteers – we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

“While this incredible news is rightly stealing the headlines, the most exciting part is this: the club’s future is now secure, and we’re just getting started. The next chapter of our ambitious, community-focused journey begins now – and what an adventure it’s going to be!”