Financial aid praised by Llanrhaeadr boss

LLANRHAEADR manager Marc Griffiths has expressed his delight following news of the Welsh Government’s £17 million sports relief fund.

The allocation of monies was confirmed this week and intended to ensure sports clubs across Wales are still in existence in September after nearly a year of none or limited activity.

Llanrhaeadr have not played a competitive match since the initial lockdown in March 2020.

The villagers hope to begin a curtailed 15 match programme when the JD Cymru North is given the go-ahead to start.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is currently awaiting the green light from the National Sports Group (NSG) which is responsible for the allocation of elite status.

Griffiths said: “It has to be good news that this sort of money could be available to struggling sports clubs.

“We are yet to receive the criteria that will need to be met before any application can be submitted.”

Griffiths also praised the FAW after it was confirmed all JD Cymru North clubs would be supported when the season begins.

Griffiths said: “The FAW has confirmed it will cover referees fees this season and a further £5,000 will be given to JD Cymru North clubs.

“This will go along way to covering the loss due to no supporters being able to attend matches.”

Meanwhile the Welsh Government review of the latest lockdown restrictions will take place today (January 29).

Last week Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed a national approach to the easing of restrictions would be preferred to a regional approach while Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething has warned the public not to expect a great deal of relaxation of the rules as Wales continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and high virus transmission rates.