NEWS that Rhyl FC 1879 has been awarded £378,600 from the UK Government has been described as 'fantastic'.

Club chairman Tom Jamieson said: “This is fantastic news following all of the hard work behind the scenes over the past 4 years as we have been striving to ensure the community of Rhyl secures Belle Vue indefinitely.

"I want to personally thank Adam Roche for all of his hard work and tireless efforts on securing the funding and whilst there is still some way to go this a huge step for us in achieving our goal.

"I would like to also thank our local representatives from both UK Government, Welsh Assembly and local council.” 

Shadow Minister for North Wales, and Clwyd West MS, Darren Millar has also welcomed  the news of the funding through the Government’s Community Ownership Fund (COF).

The government is providing £150 million over four years to support community groups in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets and amenities at risk of being lost.

Voluntary and community groups can bid for funding to acquire important assets and run them for the benefit of the local community.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 (Rhyl FC 1879) submitted a bid in Round 3, and Mr Millar is delighted to hear that it has been successful.

The funding will be used to purchase and secure the future of the Belle Vue football ground, enabling the group to move to a seven days a week community use operation.

He said: “I am thrilled that CPD Y Rhyl 1879 (Rhyl FC 1879) have been successful with their application. They have faced a challenging few years, but this funding will save them from the risk of eviction and enable them to expand the services they provide including education and footballing activities, a community social enterprise, out of school term camps, disabled access, and a function room.

“The future of the club was left in severe doubt in 2020 when it announced it was winding up proceedings due to funding difficulties, but fortunately a new ‘phoenix’ football club was established in the town.

“I would like to thank all those who have fought so hard to secure the future of this club, including Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies who I know has repeatedly raised the club’s plight with Ministers and called for support in Parliament.

“Belle Vue is a historic landmark in Rhyl and there will be much celebration in the town today in light of this funding announcement.”

Dr James Davies, Vale of Clwyd MP, said: “Having worked closely with CPD Y Rhyl (Rhyl FC) through what has been a challenging few years for the club, I am thrilled that their funding bid has been successful. 

“The funding will be used to purchase and secure the future of Belle Vue, enabling the club to move to a seven days a week community use operation.

“It is fantastic news not only for the club and its supporters, but also the town as a whole.