With our 2021/22 campaign over we can reflect on what has been a long first season after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The return to football has been the most important thing and positively the club is in much better shape than it was before the pandemic.
First and foremost, a very special thanks to our sponsors: Prichard’s Contracting, Western Security Systems and DM Recycling Services. Their support is invaluable for the running of the club, helping us to provide top quality kit, equipment and matchday facilities for our players.
This season we have fielded two senior teams, providing more opportunities for local players to play competitively. We retained our u16s team, which will become a youth team next season. Our small-sided football was re-launched and continues to grow. Our club committee and volunteer base has grown with ongoing development to the club infrastructure to ensure decision-making includes the whole club.
On the pitch
The senior first team played in the Taff Ely Rhymney Valley Premier Division for the first time in our history. The goal was to retain our league status and the side achieved that. Although a very inconsistent season left lots of room for improvement, with greater commitment and consistency next season, hopefully the boys can kick on a bit further up the league.
The second senior side had a difficult maiden campaign but the commitment of coaches Darren Cook and Josh Bradding and all of the players was fantastic in spite of some tough days on the pitch. There were some good performances to build on and several individual success stories. We are delighted we could offer opportunities to play senior football to even more local players.
In their final season as juniors, our under 16s boys side enjoyed their best campaign yet. This group has grown every season over the past 4 years and we look forward to welcoming them back for youth and senior football next season. We are especially proud of the 7 under 16s that made senior debuts for the club during 2021/22.
At the very start of their football journey are our small-sided football players. It has been a pleasure to introduce these boys and girls aged 4-8 to football this season and we hope they continue their development with the club for many more years. Luke Jones and Liam Cunningham have also begun their coaching pathways through our small-sided football.
Development off the field
Our club committee grew this season with Matthew Morris joining. A supporter of the club since day one, Matt’s contribution this season has been fantastic, especially the support he has offered the senior second team players and coaches on their matchdays.
Beyond that we are pleased with the formation this season of our social sub-committee, increasing the number of volunteers at the club as we try to build a better whole-club culture and further our links with the local community.
Our successful fund-raising campaign last summer means a defibrillator was installed at the Maritime Recreation Ground in October 2021, available to all members of the community in a life-threatening situation.
Pontypridd District Club has become the club’s social base on matchdays. The hospitality of Owain and his team has been tremendous, making our players feel welcome and providing an excellent post-match experience. The District has already become a huge part of the social side of the club and another local partnership that is of great benefit to both sides.
2021/22 has been a very good season for the club as a whole and work has already started behind the scenes to put the club in the best position to have a successful 2022/23 campaign.
Diolch yn fawr,
The Committee of Pontypridd FC
