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North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin recently visited Prestatyn Sports FC (PSFC) to see the positive impact of their successful Your Community, Your Choice (YCYC) funding bid. During the visit, the PCC toured the club's facilities and saw the progress made in expanding their youth football offerings.
Your Community, Your Choice helps support grass-roots projects across North Wales and is supported by the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT), the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, and North Wales Police. The funding for Your Community, Your Choice comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the rest coming from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Thanks to YCYC support, PSFC has bought two sets of new goalposts as part of their project to build two age-specific pitches for their teams. These new additions will enable the club to accommodate more young players in dedicated spaces, fostering skill development, teamwork, and a sense of community.
Entering the next football season, PSFC have a first team competing in Tier 5 of the league , a veterans team looking to enter the league for the first time and an junior section ranging with players aged 8 to 16, competing in the Rhyl and District leagues, highlighting the club's commitment to nurturing talent across all age groups. Their five-a-side teams meet regularly, and football camps are organised during school holidays, ensuring a year-round commitment to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Accompanied by PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers, PSFC Club Juniors Secretary Barbara Smith, PSFC Coach Sion Williams, and local North Wales Police PCSO James Jones, Mr Dunbobbin saw how Prestatyn Sports FC offers a well-rounded environment for football enthusiasts of all ages and saw how the funding will be used to further their work.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: "Initiatives like Your Community, Your Choice play a crucial role in supporting community-driven projects that positively impact the lives of our youth. Prestatyn Sports FC's dedication to providing safe and engaging spaces for young people to develop their skills is truly commendable.
“Their work complements our policing priorities by offering constructive activities that deter anti-social behaviour and foster a sense of community belonging among the younger generation.”
Prestatyn Sports FC Coach Sion Williams commented: "We are immensely grateful for the funding received through the Your Community, Your Choice initiative. PSFC recognises the importance of engaging activities for local children and believes that the expanded football facilities will provide focused, social, and physical outlets for youth to thrive while imparting valuable life skills.
“This investment will allow us to expand our youth football activity, providing more opportunities for young talents to develop their skills and passion for the game. With dedicated pitches and facilities, we can nurture a new generation of footballers while fostering a strong sense of community spirit."
PACT Chairman Ashley Rogers said: "We are delighted to have provided funding to Prestatyn Sports FC through the Your Community, Your Choice scheme. Seeing the impact of our support in creating dedicated spaces for youth development and community engagement is truly rewarding. Projects like these align with our mission of empowering local initiatives that foster positive change within our communities."
North Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop added: “I am glad to see this very worthwhile project receive support. By providing a constructive outlet for young people through football, we're not only promoting a healthy lifestyle but also tackling the issue of youth disengagement. It's a brilliant way to keep kids off the streets and on the right path, scoring big for their future.”
To learn more about PACT visit: www.pactnorthwales.co.uk
To find out more information about Prestatyn Sports Football Club, visit: https://www.facebook.com/prestatynsports/