INTERVIEW: Llangefni Town striker Ellie Coulson talks about her decision to retire from the game
She’s been there since the start and leaves with the team at its strongest ever.
Ellie Coulson will always be remembered for her huge part in the success of Llangefni Town Ladies.
From the novice days and the character-building heavy losses to a winning machine crowned North Wales Coast League champions with an unbeaten record, the tall centre-forward has been a vital figure in it all.
However, she has now decided to retire from football. It’s been a tough decision and she will be sadly missed, but if her aim at the start was to leave behind a successful Llangefni Town then it is most certainly mission accomplished.
Grassroots North Wales had a chat with Ellie about her calling it a day.
You’ve decided to retire from football at age 31. You’re in your prime and have been playing superbly in a championship-winning team. So why have you decided to call it a day at this time?
After 5 years, from the bottom to the top, it feels like the right time. I am only getting older and slower, and want to spend more time with the horses and the family after 5 years of commitment.
What were your thoughts on the season just gone and how it ended?
A brilliant way to finish. Winning the league with such a great group of players made it a really special season. We played some cracking football and had a great laugh behind the scenes.
Do you believe Llangefni Town can go out and win the North Wales Coast Women’s League title again in 2026-27 to maximise their promotion hopes?
Definitely. The squad has plenty of quality and the mentality to challenge for the title again. Dan has already brought in some great players and I expect more to join in pre-season.
Who do you think will be Llangefni’s toughest opponents this season?
There are a few strong teams in the league, but I would say maybe Kinmel Bay? Holyhead Hotspur will be an interesting squad to watch.
Why did you join Llangefni Town back in 2021-22? What experience did you have of playing competitive football up to then?
My friend Jade joined Llangefni when it first started off and asked if I fancied a kick about, so I went to a training session and haven’t looked back. Some of the best years of my life have been spent on the pitch and in the pub after.
Llangefni Town has grown in stature rapidly, transforming from a losing team in the early days into the winning machine of the present day. How has the team come such a long way in a relatively short time?
Hard work, belief, passion, commitment and a great group of players, coaches and supporters who all want the club to succeed. Dan and Liam together are a dream team both complementing each other managing the team.
What have been the highlights of your five seasons as a Llangefni player?
Winning trophies, making over 100 appearances and the friendships I’ve made along the way. Oh and my mum ringing me every Friday to ask where and when the game is on Sunday.
Top core memory, winning the Betty Pickering Cup, and the celebrations after including a live band holding the trophy up on stage whilst performing.
How do you see the future for Llangefni Town Ladies?
Very bright. The club is in a strong position and has plenty of talented players staying signed, and Dan has already made some exciting signings with more expected..
What will you be getting up to in your sporting retirement – lots more involvement with horse riding?
Enjoying more free time, having a drink on a Saturday night, more time with the horses, and holidays that don’t revolve around missing a training or game.
What is your message to the club and fans as you say your fond farewells as a player?
Thank you for everything. It’s been an amazing five years, and I’m proud to have been part of the journey. I’ll always be cheering Llangefni on.
It really is special playing at Cae Bob with the young players supporting, the locals screaming from the sides and Dai capturing all the great moments.
ELLIE COULSON – LLANGEFNI TOWN LADIES STATS
Born: February 19, 1995
Llangefni Town debut: October 10, 2021
Appearances: 108 (71 league, 36 cups, 1 play-off)
Goals: 61 (37 league, 23 cups, 1 play-off)
Hat-tricks: 6
Most goals in a game: 4 (v Caernarfon Town – Feb 16, 2025; won 12-0; v Caernarfon Town – Aug 18, 2024, won 12-3)
Most goals in a season: 21 (2024-25)
100th appearance: v Llanystumdwy (Nov 30, 2025, won 5-0)
Honours: Betty Pickering Cup winner 2023-24, North Wales Coast League title winner 2025-26)
Goals breakdown
v Caernarfon Town 17
v Amlwch Town 7
v Llanystumdwy 6
v Trearddur Bay 5
v CPDM Henllan 4
v Northop Hall 4
v Holywell 2
v CPDM Bangor 2
v Llanfairfechan Town 2
v Flint Town United 2
v Denbigh Town 2
v Welshpool Town 2
v Wrexham Foresters 1
v Airbus UK Broughton 1
v CPD Pwllheli 1
v CPDM Y Felinheli 1
v Llanfair United 1
v Llandudno 1
- 1 goal v NFA not included as cup tie was declared void and required a replay