Penblwydd hapus Llio Emyr (CPDM Y Felinheli)
Happy birthday to a true unsung hero of North Wales football – CPDM Y Felinheli’s Llio Emyr.
Born on April 11, 1995, Llio is currently engaged in a coaching/management role with the Adran North club based between Bangor and Caernarfon.
Over the years, both with Felinheli and going back to when they were known as CPDM Bethel, Llio has carried out just about every task possible within a football club.
She also still plays, having made three brief substitute appearances this season, but prefers nowadays to use her motivational and tactical skills via the touchline and changing room.
As a player, Llio’s chief position is central midfield, although she has also played on the right/left wing.
Before Felinheli came along, Llio played for Llewod Llanrug (boys and girls teams), Bethel u16s, Bethel Ladies and Ysgol Brynrefail.
Like many Cae Seilo players in and around her age group, Llio’s most treasured memory was Bethel’s 4-1 win over then Welsh Premier side Caernarfon Town in the 2017-18 Welsh Cup.
She was also a key member of the Bethel side which finished up joint-winners of the North Wales Women’s League with Llanfair United in 2018-19.
Llio was in the Felinheli squads which won the North Wales Coast Challenge Cup in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Not just involved in senior football, Llio has also coached a number of junior teams, including the successful Bethel Under-14 Girls.
As for players she has played alongside, Llio rates current Wrexham AFC Women midfielder and former Bethel star Mari Gibbard as one of the very best she has shared a pitch with.
It has been another good season for CPDM Y Felinheli, having finished fourth in Adran North and reaching the NWCFA Women’s Challenge Cup semi-finals, where a meeting with Kinmel Bay awaits.
With manager Aaron Jones-Evans facing increased work commitments this term, Llio has taken on more responsibility on the management side of the team and has done a fantastic job.
“Llio is one in a million,” said Aaron.
“She is the women’s secretary and the women’s assistant manager… a real behind the scenes unsung hero at the club. She also sorts out our Comet (I.e.. signings etc..) and is a part of the safeguarding team at the club.”
Local football clubs thrive and depend on people with the commitment and drive of Llio Emyr.