Chairman's Page

Hi Everyone

The beautiful game as it has become known, has been played with passion in Pen-y-cae for more years than I can remember. Like some of you who still live in the community, my earliest recollections are of watching Pen-y-cae Hornets in the late 50's and 60's.As one member of a loyal band of local supporters, I was able to watch enthralled by the 'stars' of  the day exhibiting their considerable football skills on a home pitch, the topography of which could at best only be described as 'gently undulating'. At the end of the game, the exhausted players and, hopefully, satisfied supporters would go to the clubhouse, a wooden shack which housed Pen-y-cae Youth Club, for refreshments (Tea and Biscuits) and the obligatory verbal replay of the match highlights/lows.

Thankfully times have changed, but the enthusiasm for the game and its associated social activities have remained vibrant. Born simply out of the understandable desire for players to represent their own community, Pen-y-cae FC was formed in 1982 to tackle (excuse the pun) clubs that had already established themselves in other villages such as Rhos, Cefn, Johnstown and LLangollen, and many more And from those humble beginnings, the club has made spectacular progress in all areas, both on and off the field. In the first four seasons, successes on the field resulted in the club's meteoric rise from the 4th Division through to the 1st.In addition to this rapid promotion, Pen-y-cae FC also achieved the considerable honour of winning the Horace Wynn Cup on three consecutive occasions, a feat which, to date, has not been surpassed.

Since being elected chair man in 1982 and holding the post for a number of years, then taking some time out but not actually leaving the committee room, I find myself once again in the hot seat but this time I share it with Stuart Griffiths as joint chairman

There have been many necessary improvements made which have benefited the club's overall performance. Of course the commitment of players and the quality of training continue to play an enormous part in ensuring success on the field, however, although these skills and attitudes are indeed important, it must be accepted that the club cannot possibly aspire to higher levels of performance without the provision of additional support facilities. Some of you will already be aware of the tremendous improvements that have been made to the club's facilities, particularly in recent years, however, with the dramatic rise in player numbers at all levels and the additional financial demands that these increases necessitate, it is extremely important that we review our support facilities frequently to maintain the cub's status.

One of the most significant improvements recently proposed is the erection of palisade fencing. Placed around the perimeter of the main playing area, the fencing would enable the club to operate a toll gate system, enabling us to charge a small entrance fee for admission, the collection of which could be used to assist with the club's running costs. In addition the erection of fencing would provide additional security against unauthorised entry and also help to eradicate  the unpleasant and considerable health problems associated with dogs fouling the playing area. Estimates have been obtained for the completion of these essential improvements with costs in the region of £30,000.Unfortunately,although the club's fundraising efforts, which are usually successful due to the dogged persistence and much valued efforts of club supporters, have contributed substantially to past projects, the provision or the funds required to complete the proposed improvements is proving to be somewhat elusive.

Indeed if there are any interested members of the community, past and present, who would like to make a much needed donation or have any ideas on how we can raise the funds required to achieve this particular goal (oops-anther pun), I would be grateful if they would please contact me or any members of the committee.

At Pen-y-cae FC we have achieved a level of success which has become the envy of other villages, with your help we would like to build on success and further promote this popular local activity for the benefit of all our community members,

Once again thank you for your support

Randall Smolarczyk                                                                                                  02-11-2008