Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies today raised with the Secretary of State for Wales the need to ensure that Rhyl Football Club, and other clubs in Wales, receive the support they need during the pandemic. 

Speaking in the House of Commons, James highlighted the difficulties the club is facing due to lost revenue because of Covid and asked the Secretary of State to take action to help address the issue. 

He said:

“Although football matches are being played again, it is behind closed doors and with no associated matchday income. Will my right hon. Friend encourage Sport Wales and the Football Association of Wales to work together to ensure that clubs such as Rhyl in my constituency receive the support that they need at this really difficult time?”

The Secretary of State agreed that football clubs in Wales need and deserve to be supported and said he will be working to ensure that they are. 

He said:

“I agree with my hon. Friend’s position and the basis of his question. National league funding in England has come up with significant funds, which should be replicated in Wales. We will certainly do anything we can to get money channelled into the sport to see it through this difficult time.”

Speaking afterwards, James said:

“There is no doubt that football clubs in Wales have been hit hard by the pandemic, but for CPD Y Rhyl 1879 Football Club these challenging times have been made even more difficult because of the issues the club were already facing. As their Chairman, Paul Higginson, said earlier in the year, 2020 has arguably been the bleakest year the club has ever faced.   

“I am therefore pleased that the Secretary of State shares my concerns regarding their struggles, and I hope those distributing funding can assist them with the level of support that they need going forward.”