THIRDS DISBANDED - YOUTH SET UP CHANGES

By Dave Jones on Mar 27, 07 03:02 PM

RHYL FC is to disband its senior third team but will adopt a new junior side as part of a shake-up in its youth development policy.
The club has announced Rhyl Youth/Thirds, who have played in the Clwyd League Premier Division since 2001/02 and won the championship in 2002/03 and 2003/04, will fold at the end of the season due to lack of interest.

The team has had a disappointing campaign in the Premier, currently lying seventh, and has been unable to fulfill recent fixtures.
Rhyl FC has also revealed it has affiliated with Prestatyn Rangers Under-17s, part of the Prestatyn Athletic club, who will play the 2007/8 season in the Clwyd Junior League.
This course has been adopted to comply with UEFA regulations. It has been approved by both FAW and UEFA where it is now necessary to field an under-21 team in a recognised FAW Under-21 league. There is no under-21 league or suitable team in the immediate Rhyl area .
Contrary to rumours, Rhyl is also to continue backing all its junior teams. They will also support the Rhyl Academy which provides top-class coaching expertise.
"Rhyl FC has represented Wales in Europe for the last three years and is acutely aware of UEFA’s desire to promote grass roots football at all levels," said a club spokesman.
"UEFA is committed to the promotion of youth academies and Rhyl FC will assist in this process. The Rhyl FC Academy is administered on our behalf by Allan Bickerstaff of Denbighshire County Council and works in conjunction with the Football Association of Wales Trust.
"The Academy has over 300 youths and nine coaches all with recognised coaching qualifications. The academy caters for both boys and girls from seven to 16 years of age, playing fixtures versus other North Wales academies throughout the season.
"The academy is funded by Rhyl FC and audited annually by the FAW Trust to ensure they provide top class coaching for its participants.
"Rhyl FC, via its Academy, will support two teams between the ages of 15 and 21, one team between nine and 15 and one under-nine team."
The club’s UEFA and domestic licensing officer, Joe Furnival, will be the liaison contact with all of the under-21 sections.
Commercial director Mally Jackson will continue to promote all commercial activities within Rhyl FC which will include the Academy and many other initiatives, working alongside Rhyl Town Council, Denbighshire County Council and private organisations, such as Healthy Eating programmes, school visits and several other projects.
Club officers can be contacted on 01745 338327.