It has been another full week across Penmaenmawr Phoenix. Our junior teams produced some terrific football, the veterans brought a familiar shield back to Cae Sling, and the U21s made the most of a free league weekend. Beyond the fixtures, the Phoenix All Stars hosted a memorable round robin, young players represented the club on county and international stages, and three more coaches completed an important qualification.
Teams of the Week
Congratulations to everyone recognised across the foundation, development and senior phases. Select either graphic to see it at full size.
Junior Roundup
Saturday
U16 Boys — Forward football at Penrhyn Bay
The U16s returned from Penrhyn Bay with a convincing away win built on positive, attacking football. The lads looked to play forward, carried a threat throughout and gave their coaches plenty to be pleased about in the way they approached the game. Shomi McCarthy earned this week’s individual recognition. Player of the Week: Shomi McCarthy.
U17 Boys — A strong response at Colwyn Bay
After a difficult outing the previous week, the U17s responded emphatically away to Colwyn Bay U16s. They controlled long stretches with their passing and movement, keeping the ball well and turning that possession into a convincing win. Riley Keating made a remarkable first-half contribution in front of goal and as a provider for teammates. Player of the Week: Riley Keating.
U13 Boys — Two-goal win at Colwyn Bay
The U13s produced an excellent 2–0 away win against Colwyn Bay Lions. Roman Birdsall-Jones scored both Phoenix goals, giving the side the reward for its strong performance. At the other end, Alex Hyde was a rock in defence and helped secure the clean sheet. Player of the Match: Alex Hyde.
U12 Boys — Plenty to take from Glan Conwy test
The U12s pushed one of the league favourites, Glan Conwy, hard before a 2–0 defeat. The score did not reflect how competitive the boys were, particularly while the game remained goalless. The coaches were frustrated by penalty decisions at both ends, but proud of the effort, resilience and work rate their players showed against a strong opponent.
Harrison Jones led by example with committed tackling and tireless work for the team. Player of the Match: Harrison Jones.
U13 Girls — Late comeback earns a point in Pwllheli
The U13 girls showed tremendous determination and resilience on their trip to Pwllheli. Trailing 2–0 with ten minutes left, they kept believing and Hana Jones struck in the 60th and 66th minutes to bring Phoenix level. The 2–2 draw was a well-earned reward for a group that refused to let the game slip away.
It was a true team effort, with Iyla Davies producing another superb display. Player of the Match: Iyla Davies.
Sunday
U9 Boys — Quality shines through at Mochdre
The U9s faced a strong Mochdre side and had to weather some difficult moments away from home. They stayed together, made the most of their attacking opportunities and finished with a convincing win. It was the team’s quality and response when tested, rather than the scoreline, that stood out.
Harry Williams was excellent at the back and also got forward to score. Player of the Week: Harry Williams.
U6 Boys — A thrilling one-goal win
The U6s enjoyed a lively game that finished 6–5 in Phoenix’s favour. Their coaches are seeing real improvement across the group, and this was another chance for every player to put those new skills into a match. Just as importantly, the boys had fun playing together and kept going in a close contest. Player of the Match: Harrison Kynaston.
U7 Boys — Playing side by side
It was great to see all the U7 boys sharing the pitch and giving their best for one another. Their coaches praised the effort across the group, with Theo Evans and Dewi Jones recognised for their performances. There was a special moment for Celyn Gardner, too, as he scored his first goal and nearly added another. A lovely milestone to celebrate with his teammates. Players of the Match: Theo Evans and Dewi Jones.
U8 Girls Blue and Yellow — Two teams, one outstanding morning
Phoenix entered both the Blue and Yellow teams into the girls’ round robin, and both groups gave their coaches plenty to cheer. The Yellows won twice and drew once, building attacks with some excellent combination play. Penny Baker was instrumental in the way they moved the ball and supported one another.
The Blues won all three of their games without conceding, including a particularly impressive performance against Prestatyn. Their passing, movement and nonstop work for each other showed how far this group has come. Both teams deserve huge credit for the spirit and football they displayed. Players of the Match: Penny Baker (Yellow) and the whole Blue team.
Senior Roundup
Men’s First Team — A weekend to recharge
The first team had no fixture this weekend, giving much of the squad a welcome chance to rest after an intense start to the season. They return on Saturday 10 October at 2:30pm against Trearddur Bay, who have yet to lose this campaign. It promises to be a serious test when the league action resumes.
Veterans — The shield returns to Cae Sling
The Phoenix veterans welcomed Bramley Moore Boys for their annual fixture, with the shield at stake once again. After last year’s defeat, the home side were determined to bring it back to Penmaenmawr — and a narrow win did just that. The friendly rivalry now rolls on to next season: can Bramley Moore take the shield back to Liverpool, or will it stay at Cae Sling? Man of the Match: Liam Griffiths.
U21s — A friendly win and a welcome return
With no league game scheduled, and other fixtures disrupted by cancellations and withdrawals, the U21s arranged a friendly against Llandudno Amateurs Development. The young Phoenix side made the opportunity count with a win. Kaydan Williams-Squires scored a hat-trick and earned the team’s individual award. Player of the Match: Kaydan Williams-Squires.
There was another memorable moment for Harley Farr, who returned to the pitch for valuable minutes after a lengthy injury and scored the winning goal. Seeing him back out there, doing what he loves as he works towards first-team football, was a highlight of the weekend.
Around the Club
Phoenix All Stars host a round robin at Cae Sling
What a morning for our Phoenix All Stars. They welcomed Kinmel Bay and Caernarfon Town to Cae Sling for a round robin full of goals, saves, teamwork and smiles. Players, coaches, families and supporters all helped create the warm atmosphere that makes these occasions special.
Before kick-off, the All Stars wore pink to show their support for Tenovus Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. That shared moment of solidarity was a reminder that the club’s reach goes well beyond football. On the pitch, everyone had the chance to enjoy the game and be part of the action — exactly what One Club. One Community. is about.
A huge thank-you to chairman Pete Williams for organising the event, and to Nichaela Jones, Harvey Roberts and Teagan Williams for helping it run. Thank you as well to the visiting teams and everyone who came along. Football is for everyone.
From Huddle and Fun Football to Wales mascots
Our free Huddle and Fun Football programmes opened the door to another special opportunity this week. Phoenix was invited to put forward children from those programmes to be mascots for Wales U21 versus Austria U21. Those selected represented themselves, their families and the club wonderfully, and we were delighted to hear such positive feedback from the FAW.
Moments like this show what can grow from a first, welcoming experience of football. Thank you to every coach who has helped make Fun Football possible over the past two years, and to Vicky Jones for her fantastic work with Huddle. We hope these programmes continue to create opportunities for many more young players.
Coaches keep learning
Congratulations to junior coaches Vicky Jones, Harvey Roberts and David Roberts, who completed their UEFA Grassroots Leaders Award this weekend. They are already looking towards the next step, the C Licence. Their commitment to learning and developing means even more support for the young players in their care.
U12 girls in county colours
Six of our U12 girls enjoyed their first games in county colours, taking part in entertaining, physical matches against Flint Town United U13 Girls and St Asaph U11 Boys. It was another proud moment for the club and for the players who have worked hard to reach this stage.
Pictured left to right: Boe Blackall, Nancy Tharme, Mali Evans, Elin Edwards, Nel Jones-Hughes and Emmi Williams. Well done to all six for representing Phoenix so well.
What a week across the club. Thank you to every player, coach, volunteer, family member and supporter who helped make it happen. One Club. One Community.