Member of the Senedd for the Vale of Clwyd, Gareth Davies, has welcomed a £378,600 UK Government investment in Rhyl Football Club intended to secure the future of its Belle Vue football ground. Member of Parliament for the Vale, James Davies, has been working diligently with Rhyl FC to secure funding to purchase the Belle Vue ground which was announced last week.
The funding that Rhyl FC has received, is from the third round of the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund (COF) which is a £150 million fund over four years to support communities across the UK to take ownership of assets at risk of closure. This round of COF funding is in addition to the Chancellor’s announcement in the Spring Budget that the UK Government will invest £20 million into Rhyl for the rejuvenation of the town centre.
Gareth, as a champion of grassroots sports, has maintained an excellent relationship with the club and has supported them in their quest for funding to allow the continuation of an historic local football club that was earmarked for closure after 141 years in existence due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Responding to the announcement, Gareth said:
“I am thrilled at the announcement that CPD Y Rhyl, an historic feature of our community, has secured funding from the UK Government to secure its future at the legendary Belle Vue ground.
“The news in 2020 the club was facing closure was a huge blow to the community, so I know that local residents, fans, and the club itself will be celebrating this news.
“Grassroots football is important to young people and fans in Rhyl, and I am pleased that the UK Government has recognised the immense value of the club to the local area.
“I would like to thank the team at CPD Y Rhyl for their commitment to grassroots football and I wish the team all the best in future matches.”
