Bentley drives for a successful return to CPD Y Rhyl 1879 after long injury lay-off

It’s a big welcome back to CPD Y Rhyl 1879 for dynamic young attacking player Emily Bentley.

The 21-year-old has been out of football since the end of 2022-23 due to injury, but now returns for a club where she made a major impact in the recent past.

Emily made her senior debut for the former Rhyl FC as a 15-year-old in the 2018-19 season when the Lilywhites were in the Welsh Premier.

Having previously been with Prestatyn and Rhyl Hearts, Emily was promoted to senior standard and stood out in a 5-0 WPWL victory for Rhyl FC over Caernarfon Town.

At the same time as playing for Rhyl, Emily was also gaining vital experience at the Wrexham AFC /RCF Girls Centre of Excellence.

It was no surprise that a few months later, Emily was offered a football scholarship at Burnley FC.

She embarked on a two-year training programme as part of Burnley’s elite academy where she combined study for a BTEC Sport Level 3 Extended Diploma with practical football experience.

The youngster later became a key player at the Ladies, Girls and Wildcats centre based at Burnley Belvedere.

Emily joined newly-formed CPD Y Rhyl 1879 in 2021-22 and was a star in her first season, scoring 21 goals as the Lilywhites lifted the North Wales Women’s League title as undefeated invincibles.

One of her biggest moments was netting twice in 1879’s 3-0 title-clinching victory over NFA at Prestatyn Town’s Bastion Gardens.

The following season, the young striker signed for Genero Adran North club Connah’s Quay Nomads, where she made 18 first team appearances and also turned out for the under-19s. She also earned selection for Wales Colleges.

Injury sadly ended her 2022-23 campaign early and it has been a long fight to get back her fitness ever since.

Emily shared her thoughts on signing for the Lilywhites. She said: “Can’t wait to put the Rhyl shirt back on after such a long time away from the game with an injury. I’m looking forward to playing again in the new season ahead.”