Dafydd Hughes provides an exciting update about youth football project starting in the new year...

The New Year will start with a bang as Bangor 1876 kicks off its 2021 Fun Football programme at the University Sports Ground, Treborth on 4 January (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) with taster sessions for all ages from 5 to 11 to give them perhaps their first taste of football, as well as sessions for older age groups wishing to improve their football skills.

The Fun Football Charter Scheme for 5-11 year olds is a partnership programme run by the FAW Trust and McDonald’s, which regulates informal football activities, run by accredited clubs and organisations such as Bangor 1876.

The emphasis of the sessions is 'turn-up and play' and 'skill development through creative football practice' and the term Fun Football is recognised by UEFA, who recognise the programme as a grassroots development initiative.

The aim of the scheme is to increase regular participation of boys and girls in a safe, enjoyable and productive environment. The charter mark is a way for organisation to demonstrate to all participants, parents, sponsors and the public that it's a well organised and safe environment, offering opportunities for everyone.

Head of Development, Ben Ogilvy commented “We are delighted to be able to restart the Fun Football Programme, there has been a high demand for the programme to restart. It's a great opportunity for youngsters of the Bangor area to come and enjoy playing football in a fun enviroment, it will also be an opportunity to be coached by UEFA qualified coaches. This programme is open to everyone."

Ben added that "although the Fun Football programme is a “Turn up & Play” programme we are asking everyone to register in advance so we can plan accordingly & make it as safe as possible". He also explained that "the sessions will be 1 hour long and will take place between 5pm – 7pm on the 3G at Treborth and there will be a small charge of £3 for each participant to cover".

The Club, and its sister club, Clwb Peldroed Merched Bangor 1876, has a philosophy of nurtuing local talent and providing youngsters with the opportunity to progress through the various age groups to the mens’ and womens’ senior teams.

Next season (2021-22) the Club will be fielding teams in all the junior age groups up to under 16 and would love to hear from parents and players who are interested in particpating in taster sessions over the next few months.

As Ben Ogilvy explains “We will have a full Junior Section structure in place for the start of next season that will be competing in the Gwyrfai Junior League. There will be a team at each age group from U6 – U16". It's been an exciting time for our Junior Section with the recent formation of the under-10s side, which will be coached by Ian Owen & Bangor 1876 First Team player Dylan Williams. Indeed, this is far from the only recent exciting news concerning our youth set-up.

Ben has told us that he is "delighted to announce that the experience duo of Andy Bell and Les Davies have agreed to take on the U16’s for next season and they will begin their preperations for next season immediately". He explained that "this will help us create a pathway to the First Team and is another positive step forward for the club and we will continue to post updates regularly concerning the progress of the structure".

Ben also added that "we are still looking for coaches to join our setup and become part of this exciting project and we will fully support anyone who wants to develop as a coach. He has urged anyone who may be interested to get in touch, and you can find his contact details below..

To register your or your child’interest in the Fun Football taster sessions and/or becoming involved with our age groups from under-7 to under-16, please e-mail development@bangor1876.com or ring Ben on 07922 270560.