* With Ken Skates, centre, are
youth development officer Ian Evans, left, and chairman Martin Lyons.
Member of the Senedd Ken
Skates has shown his support for a local football club looking to build the
foundations for its new long-term home.
Corwen FC has been playing and training at Dee Park under a
provisional agreement – with a view to further, ongoing development of
facilities – as well as continuing to play at Corwen War Memorial Park, their
home ground for over 40 years.
But after agreeing a 20-year lease at Dee Park with
landowner the Rhug Estate, the club is now applying for grants to develop the
ground.
Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, was invited to Dee Park to
discuss the club’s future plans by chairman Martin Lyons after writing a letter
of support for the club’s funding bids.
He said: “Corwen FC has a reputation locally for being a
well-run and ambitious club, and what Martin outlined is really exciting for
the area.
“The club has always been deeply rooted in Corwen, and the
community is at the heart of the football club’s strategic objectives. It has
excellent relationships with local businesses and the wider community, as well
as a thriving junior section and women’s team.
Mr Skates added: “The site is a perfect blank canvas for the
club to build from going forwards, and Martin and the other volunteers who run
the club are extremely grateful for the generosity of Lord Newborough and the
Rhug Estate.I was pleased to be able to help with their funding applications
and hope it helps Corwen FC write a successful new chapter in its proud
history.”
Martin said he and Youth Development Officer Ian Evans were
delighted to welcome Ken to Dee Park and expressed their gratitude for the
support from the club’s key stakeholders and volunteers.