This week begins with a thank-you to someone who has given an enormous amount to Penmaenmawr Phoenix. There has also been plenty happening on the pitch, from the youngest teams finding their feet to cup football for the first team and two strong performances from the women. As always, the effort and enjoyment behind the results matter most.
Thank You, Dion Jones
Dion Jones — “Big D” to so many around the club — is stepping away from football and his roles at Phoenix to spend more time with his family. As a player, coach and manager, he has been part of the club’s story for years. We are sorry to see him leave, but fully understand his decision and wish him, his family and Aron all the very best.
Dion has coached the current U13 group for several years, investing time not only in results but in the development and confidence of the players. He has also contributed to the men’s first-team coaching setup, including the treble-winning campaign, and helped guide multiple reserve-league-winning sides. His knowledge of the game has always gone hand in hand with a genuine commitment to helping people improve.
Dion has always looked beyond his own team’s fixtures. He has stepped in to help with training for other Phoenix teams, watched and supported different age groups, and been there to encourage players and coaches across the club. That generosity with his time has made a difference well beyond the teams formally in his care.
He has also helped Logan and Harley through the club’s player mentorship scheme, supporting the two senior players as they took their first steps towards coaching. Passing on what he has learned, and giving others the confidence to get involved, is another part of the legacy he leaves here.
His work has never stopped at a match-day touchline. Dion has readily supported club and FAW initiatives, including free McDonald’s Fun Football sessions that give local children a chance to try the game. Players, fellow coaches and volunteers have all benefited from his time, encouragement and willingness to help wherever needed. Thank you, Dion, for everything you have given to the blue and yellow. People like you make One Club. One Community. more than just a motto. A beer will always be waiting for you, Big D.
Teams of the Week
Well done to every player and squad recognised across the foundation, development and senior phases. Open either graphic for a full-size view.
Junior Roundup
Thursday 24 September
U11 Boys — A new challenge at the Blue Turtle
The U11s took on Colwyn Bay Clarets at the Blue Turtle and came away with an excellent win. This was their first taste of nine-a-side football on a larger pitch, so there was plenty to adjust to: more space to cover, different decisions to make and new opportunities to move the ball. The boys handled that step up impressively.
Two goals came from set-piece routines the group have practised in training, a particularly pleasing reward for their work together. Efan Jones began the game up front before moving into central defence, where he adapted superbly and helped the team see out the contest. Player of the Week: Efan Jones.
Saturday 26 September
U10s — Encouraging progress against Mochdre
The U10s faced Mochdre in a game that remained closely contested for much of the morning. The final quarter proved difficult and Mochdre pulled away, but the Phoenix coaches were encouraged by the improvement in the team’s overall performance and by the way the players kept competing until the end.
There was a lovely milestone for Isla Littlejohn, who has recently joined the team after attending the club’s girls-only Huddle sessions. She scored on her debut and earned a place in this week’s selection — a wonderful example of how a free first experience of football can grow into belonging to a team. Player of the Week: Isla Littlejohn.
U12 Girls — Cup tie decided on penalties at Llanrwst
The U12 girls created chance after chance away to Llanrwst, but met a goalkeeper in outstanding form. Savannah Michaelson and Alissa scored for Phoenix, and all 11 girls contributed to a determined performance. A late free-kick equaliser took the cup tie to penalties, where Llanrwst edged the shootout and progressed.
It was a frustrating way to go out after making so many opportunities, but the team’s attacking intent and collective effort give them plenty to build on. Savannah was particularly effective throughout. Player of the Match: Savannah Michaelson.
U13 Girls — Another narrow cup exit
The U13 girls also endured a difficult finish to an otherwise strong cup performance against Caernarfon. A double from Iyla Davies and a goal from Lottie Roberts helped Phoenix into a lead, and the team worked hard to protect it. Caernarfon found an equaliser in added time to make it 3–3 and send the match to penalties.
Phoenix were beaten in sudden death, but the effort shown by the whole group deserves recognition. They played positively for long spells, defended with real commitment late on and came within moments of advancing. Team of the Week: the whole U13 girls squad.
U16 Boys — Landmark win against Mochdre
The U16s earned a memorable 4–2 win over last season’s league champions Mochdre at Cae Sling — their first victory against this opposition. It was an intense contest that called for commitment from the entire squad, and the players answered with a performance their coaches were proud of.
Oliver Holmes and Kaydan Williams-Squires scored, while Iestyn Powell struck twice. No single player was chosen for the individual award: this result belonged to every lad who contributed, on and off the ball, right through to the final whistle. Player of the Match: the whole U16 squad.
U17 Boys — Narrow defeat at Llandudno Junction
The U17s were beaten 3–2 away at Llandudno Junction. Goals from Finn Steer and Alwyn Teasdale kept Phoenix in the game, but the team felt they had fallen below their usual standard and that mistakes had made the afternoon harder. Junction’s goalkeeper also produced an excellent display when Phoenix looked for a way back.
On his club debut, Frankie Senior worked tirelessly and caused problems for the home defence. The group will take the lessons from this one into the next fixture. Player of the Match: Frankie Senior.
Sunday 27 September
U6 Boys — Enjoyment first against Llanfairfechan
It was an early start for the U6s against Llanfairfechan, and the boys did not quite find the concentration they wanted throughout the game. They were beaten, but, most importantly at this age, they enjoyed being out together and kept playing with enthusiasm.
Their coaches will work on staying focused from the opening whistle while keeping the fun at the heart of each session. Player of the Match: Fletcher Thompson.
U7 Boys Yellows — Stronger as the game went on
The Yellows travelled to Colwyn Bay with no substitutes, meaning every player had to keep working throughout the morning. The hosts won the game, but Phoenix improved as it went on, listening more closely and producing a much stronger final quarter. They scored three goals of their own and finished with an encouraging spell of football.
The response, energy and willingness to keep going were shared by everyone in blue and yellow. Team of the Week: the whole U7 Yellows squad.
U7 Boys Blues — A good response in a club game
The Blues had a challenging start against the Phoenix U8 girls, but kept their focus and made a better contest of it as the game progressed. Their second-half response showed the value of listening, working together and believing they could turn a difficult spell around.
Erik Higham and Trystan Abrahams shared the individual award. Coaches also praised Sasha, Celyn, Harrison and Theo for their contribution to the team effort. Players of the Match: Erik Higham and Trystan Abrahams.
U8 Girls Blue — Plenty of chances against the U7 boys
The U8 Girls Blue played a lively club fixture against the Phoenix U7 boys, creating plenty of chances and scoring goals of their own. The boys made it a proper contest with some excellent blocks and a determined response, giving both teams plenty to learn from and enjoy.
Player of the Match: Hana Williams.
U8 Girls Yellow — A six-goal draw at Llanrwst
With only four players available against Llanrwst U7s, the U8 Girls Yellow knew they would have to work hard throughout. They did exactly that, sharing a 6–6 draw in an open game full of chances. Their teamwork and willingness to support one another impressed the coaches as much as the goals.
There was no separating the four Phoenix players for the award. Players of the Match: the whole U8 Girls Yellow team.
U9 Boys — Passing and teamwork shine at Colwyn Bay
For the third weekend running, the U9s made the trip to Colwyn Bay, this time to face the Tigers. Phoenix enjoyed a convincing win, but their coaches were most pleased by the quality of the passing, their willingness to battle for one another and the way they combined to create chances. That progress is worth celebrating more than any scoreline.
Elliot Hobson scored four and earned the week’s individual recognition. His finishing brought a smile after dad James Hobson had enjoyed a prolific previous weekend for the senior teams, but this was first and foremost a strong team display from the U9s. Player of the Week: Elliot Hobson.
Thursday 1 October
U11 Boys — Training-ground work comes through at Llanrwst
The U11s rounded off the week with another away victory at Llanrwst. While there were plenty of goals, what delighted the coaches was how the boys played. Three moves began at the back, involved every player, spread the play and ended with a finish — exactly the kind of brave, connected football they have been practising.
The group created space for one another, moved the ball quickly and trusted their teammates. Those habits will serve them well as they continue to adapt to the bigger format. Players of the Match: Seb Lye and Ben Whiteley.
Senior Roundup
Thursday 24 September — Women’s cup progress
The women travelled to Bastion Gardens to face Prestatyn Town Dragons in the NWCFA Recreation Experience Cup and booked their place in the next round. Captain Sara Williams had an extraordinary night in front of goal, scoring all seven of Phoenix’s goals. The result reflected a strong collective attacking performance, with teammates creating the platform for her to finish the chances.
Sera Mai Hughes was named Player of the Match for her excellent work rate and composure in possession under pressure. Player of the Match: Sera Mai Hughes.
Saturday 26 September — Men’s First Team through in the League Cup
The men’s first team made it three wins in succession with a 3–1 victory over Mynydd Isa in the Lock Stock Ardal North League Cup. Phoenix started brightly and created chances before James Hobson finally broke the deadlock in first-half added time, finishing a delivery from Toby Jones to give the home side a timely lead at the break.
Jones was involved again after half-time, his free-kick delivery finding Anthony Marshall for a header that doubled the advantage. Mynydd Isa responded through Mendoza, reducing the deficit and making the next spell important for both sides. Phoenix regained their two-goal cushion when Sion Williams, recently introduced, sent in a low cross for Hobson to finish his second of the afternoon.
There was a difficult late moment when Marshall was injured and Cameron Darling was sent off following his reaction to the incident. Phoenix saw out the remaining minutes to advance. Their next League Cup tie is scheduled at home against Llannefydd on 28 November, with a 1:45pm kick-off.
Dan Evans was named Player of the Match for an energetic display and twice went close to adding a goal of his own. Player of the Match: Dan Evans.
Monday 28 September — Women complete a Prestatyn double
The women met familiar opponents again when Prestatyn returned in league action. Phoenix followed up their cup win with another convincing victory and a clean sheet, this time through two goals apiece from Sara Williams and Lizzie Lunn, plus a goal from Catherine Thornton.
It was a disciplined performance across the team, with goalkeeper Sarah Alderson completing the shutout. Sarah Pacelli was recognised for the composure she brought to the side. Player of the Match: Sarah Pacelli.
Around the Club
Phoenix players represent Ysgol Aberconwy
Boe, Paris, Lottie, Hana and Mollie Edwards were among the Phoenix U12 and U13 girls representing Ysgol Aberconwy against Ysgol Friars. Their school side enjoyed a convincing win, and it was another chance to see our players enjoying football together beyond their club fixtures. Well done to everyone involved.
Phoenix All Stars festival at Cae Sling
This Saturday 3 October, Cae Sling will host a round-robin festival for the Phoenix All Stars, our pan-disability team. We are delighted to welcome visiting teams for a morning built around football, participation and enjoyment. It is another occasion to celebrate the inclusive side of our club and the people who make it possible.
October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Throughout October, Phoenix will be raising awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and supporting Tenovus Cancer Care. Players will wear pink warm-up shirts as a sign of solidarity, our social channels will turn pink, and raffles and donations will be collected at senior match days for the charity. We hope our teams, supporters and wider community will get behind the campaign.
October: Show Racism the Red Card
The club is also supporting Show Racism the Red Card’s Month of Action Cymru throughout October. Phoenix has backed this initiative for the past six years and remains committed to a game where everyone feels safe, welcome and respected. Players, coaches, volunteers and supporters all have a part in challenging racism and discrimination wherever they encounter it. Read more about the 2026 Month of Action on the FAW website.