Only a few days ago we got the news that this club so rightly deserved, in successfully securing our place for the 2020/2021 season in the newly formed Tier 3 Welsh league Pyramid South West Division. The club has had many high & lows since its formation back in 1992 and less than five years ago found themselves competing in the 7th Tier league.

Despite the mesmeric rise through the Alliance leagues, it was at the end of the 18/19 season that for the very first time in their prestigious history, we got the privilege to call ourselves a Welsh League club.

As the club moved through the Alliance leagues it became apparent that the new guidelines being set out by the FAW would require significant changes to both the infrastructure and playing surface.

We had ambitious plans both off and on the field so we began applying for grants via the local governing bodies / community schemes but after six applications all were returned as unsuccessful.

This placed us in a precarious position but through the support of a local club and the hard work and commitment of Cei Mason, we managed to secure a ground share for the 2020/2021 season, however as a club we know where the players and supporters want to be and that's at beloved home ground 'The Oval'.

With the clubs continued success on the field up until the end last season we were playing in the Alliance leagues and found that when applying for grants, that the funds had already been allocated to existing Welsh league clubs, who were looking to get their field / facilities up to required standards for the Tier 3 licenses to be awarded ahead of the league re-structure.

Behind the scenes there is no huge bank roller our survival and ability to stay afloat is down to the generosity of sponsorship from local businesses and the hard work from its committee behind the scenes.

The aim being to help the team focus on one thing that's going out on a Saturday and giving everything for the badge, with rumour mill as we've visited teams over the years saying 'you must be paying players', you couldn't be further from the truth, the players still pay the old fashioned way via cons every month, not all have mastered internet banking yet though.

The amount we are looking to raise we know is somewhat staggering to see but with the new criteria and current lack of support from any grant applications we have no other choice.

We are not doing this out of short sighted ambition, our aim is for these changes to benefit generations for many years to come throughout the community. Whether its your son or daughter representing their local school or club or for you and the family coming along to cheer them on, we hope all will prosper from the improvements we looking to make.

In the past few weeks alone we have once again been overwhelmed by the support of local sponsorship, which will hopefully see us commence work on the new seating area / stand changes, which is just one of a long list of improvements we need to undertake.

We'll continue to explore all grant applications that we are eligible to apply for but as time is of the essence ahead of the deadline for the 2021/2022 season, we would greatly welcome any donations you are able to make.

It's extremely challenging yes but hard work is something that the club prides itself on so hopefully with your support we'll be back on the Oval in less than 12 months.

Thank You,

Ynyshir Albions FC