Risca Utd vs Llanelli town

RISCA UNITED A.F.C. JD CYMRU SOUTH

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LLANELLI TOWN I KO.19.30 I 27-07-21 I

Matchday Programme

@RiscaUtd Risca United Football Club #cuckoos

riscautd

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Pleased to be a Sponsor of RISCA UNITED A.F.C Wishing them all the best in the new season

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FOREWORD It was great to be back in action on Saturday and have spectators join us at the CSE Stadium, even if the result didn’t go our way. We dominated the game but a poor start and errors ultimately cost us.

As mentioned in the previous matchday programme it’s been a difficult 18 months as the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted everyone to varying degrees. Now that we are back we still have some protocols to observe but there are limited restrictions for spectators. All we ask is that you please respect other spectators and their personal choice, people are free to wear masks and maintain social distancing if they wish. At the time of publishing, we have been advised by the facility provider that spectator capacity has been increased to 300.

We welcome Llanelli Town and their supporters to the CSE this evening for matchday 2, it’s a quick turnaround so no time to dwell on Saturdays result.

Llanelli also lost their opening game and they will also be looking to get some points on the board.

Thankyou to all the volunteers that make things happen behind the scenes and on a matchday, your hard work is what keeps us running.

Finally, enjoy the game and the season.

Best wishes Ryland Price—Risca United Chairman [Credit - Original photograph used for front cover was taken by Andrew Evans, ( twitter—@wscevans) friend of the club, Merthyr Town fan, general football lover, groundhopper and blogger]

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WHAT’S INSIDE

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BEZZO’S BIT CLUB HISTORY THE SQUADS HISTORY — TODAYS OPPONENTS

PEN PICS SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FIXTURES & RESULTS 2021 / 22 PREVIOUS MATCHDAY RESULTS WELSH BLOOD SERVICE PARTNERSHIP NEXT FIXTURE

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BEZZO’S BIT SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE GAFFA After a disappointing defeat on the weekend we return to league action tonight against a strong Llanelli side who will be looking at promotion this season.

We started our league campaign on the weekend and a frustrating day for us saw us lose 3-2 to Afan Lido having dominated the possession. However, you cant concede 3 goals and expect to win a game and that's ultimately what's cost us. We went 2-0 down early but managed to fight back in the first half to get it back level and to be honest half time came at a bad time for us having been on top. A mistake again in the second half saw us go 3-2 down and from then on in we couldn't break down an excellent Lido defence and the game finished 3-2.

Tonight we go in against Llanelli who have recruited well and have Miles John in the ranks who helps coach at our academy. We wish him well but just not tonight.

Midfielder Jordan Thomas in action against Afan Lido

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CLUB HISTORY “The Cuckoos” The club came into being in 1946 when a few local sides UNITED to form the new club, they played at Ty-Isaf Park in the Monmouthshire Senior League, where after early success they joined the Welsh Football League in the 1951 playing in the 2nd.

Division East until 1961 before having to drop back into County Football due to financial reasons. Their highest position during those 10 years was 5th. in the 2nd. Division East. The club have always been known as “The Cuckoos”, in keeping with the legend of the town.

In the summer of 1965 the club almost folded due to a lack of funds & volunteers but were ”taken over” at the 11th hour by Fernlea A.F.C., a Risca based, Newport & District League side, who actually shared Ty-Isaf Park with “The Cuckoos”.

For a few seasons the “new” club struggled in the lower reaches of the 1st Division of the Mon Senior League but always managed to avoid relegation. Gradually we strengthened on and off the field before Risca United began its “Golden Era” in the early 70`s.

During that decade “The Cuckoos” strung together an incredible 13 honours including 3 consecutive League and Cup doubles, 3 Championships, and were Challenge Cup Winners for 5 consecutive seasons. The 3 consecutive League & Cup doubles had never been achieved previously and was recognized by the Mon. Senior League in presenting the club with a one off trophy that still proudly sits in the trophy cabinet.

The “Golden Era” continued into the `80`s as more silverware was added including the Gwent Senior Cup, The Gwent Amateur Cup and yet another

League and Cup double in 1988/89, besides twice being League runners-up and runners up twice in the Gwent Amateur Cup. Following these achievements the club strived to fulfil its motto, “Progress” and were eventually accepted back into the Welsh Football League in 1990/91. They were Division 3 runners-up in that first season, followed by three seasons in the 2nd Division before gaining promotion in 1994/95 to the Welsh League 1st Division. The club had two seasons in the top flight before slipping back down through the divisions.

Their highest placing in the 1st Division during this time being 11th in 1995/96.

In February 1995 whilst a 2nd Division side Risca United reached the 4th round of the Welsh Cup and played at Ninian Park against a full strength Cardiff City in front of 1,200 spectators, for an hour the score remained 0-0 but eventually the “Bluebirds” ran out 4-0 winners.

In 2001 the club took part in a two hour BBC Wales TV football drama, “Score”. Filming lasted a week at Ty-Isaf Park where some TV stars, including, Sue Johnston (Brookside & The Royale Family), Eve Myles (Belonging & Torchwood) rubbed shoulders with “The Cuckoos”. Some of the clubs players even took part in filming at Elland Road in front of 40,000 Leeds United fans! In 2003/2004 Risca United were again on the small screen as BBC Wales filmed their historic 2-1 defeat of Barry Town at Jenner Park in the Welsh Cup, at the time Barry Town were the Welsh Cup holders and reigning Champions of the Welsh Premier League.

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CLUB HISTORY “The Cuckoos” Under the guidance of Player/Manager Paul Michael a 3rd place finish in 2013/14 secured promotion to the 2nd Division after a spell of 13 seasons in the 3rd Division. That was followed in 2014/15 with a second successive promotion when 3rd place in Division 2 was achieved on the last day of the season with a 5-1 defeat of A.F.C. Llwydcoed, the last game in an incredible 13 match unbeaten run.

In 2014/15 the club set up an Academy for young players between 10 and 16 years and were granted F.A.W. Accredited Academy status. That first year was a huge success at all age levels but pride of place went to our under 12`s who completed their F.A.W. Academy League (South) Fixtures unbeaten and finished top. In the All Wales Play-Off Final held at Latham Park, Newtown we beat Bala Town 5-1 to become Welsh Champions in our very first season. The Academy goes from strength to strength and bodes well for the clubs future. A number of todays squad have come through our academy programme.

Risca United have become victims of their own success, the consecutive promotions in 2013/14 and 2014/15 saw “The Cuckoos” back in the top flight of the Welsh Football League after 18 years but with the F.A.W. determined that all clubs in the 1st Division have grounds that qualify for a Tier Two Licence by the end of 2018 it meant that we had to move from our humble surroundings in Risca to the new Council owned, Centre for Sporting Excellence (The C.S.E. Stadium) at Ystrad Mynach. It meant that 1st. Division/Cymru Premier Development/Academy games would be played there whilst the club`s other sides would continue to use Ty-Isaf Park in Risca.

Following our move to the C.S.E. Stadium we applied for and were accepted into the strongest youth league in Wales, the Cymru Premier Development League where our Under 19`s compete against established giants such as Barry Town United, Llanelli Town, Aberystwyth Town. Playing at this level of Football has ensured our young players are capable of making the step up to Senior domestic football.

Season 2019-20 will long be remembered for reasons other than football with the Covid-19 virus bringing the season to an early finish in March.

We`ll also remember it for football reasons. A great start saw us in the top three places from August until the abrupt end in March. The unbeaten start saw Simon Berry being awarded Manager of the Month for August, September and October and Risca United picked up Club of the Month in the same three months. There were some blips though as we went out of the Welsh Cup & Welsh League Cup to sides lower down the pyramid, not so in the Welsh Trophy as we made our way through the competition to the last eight.

A long trip north and an overnight stop saw us take on Llandudno Albion in the quarter final but in all honesty we weren`t at it on a windy February afternoon and lost 2-0, a game we should really have won but we didn`t perform to our best.

When the Covid put a stop to football we had only played 14 League games and were 3rd behind Trefelin B&GC and Port Talbot Town and had a nervy wait whilst the FAW decided how the season would conclude. After a couple of months in limbo we found ourselves placed 2nd behind Champions Trefelin as a result of the points per game system being employed.

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CLUB HISTORY “The Cuckoos” The FAW also decided that promotion and relegation would remain and we were duly promoted as Runners-Up in the last ever season of the Welsh Football Leagues 111 year history. A fitting finale to Risca United`s history with the now defunct Welsh Football League.

More honours followed when the F.A.W. crowned our best ever season with the Fair Play award in Welsh Football League Division One, the second such award in the last few seasons.

Our start in the 2nd. tier of Welsh football has been delayed by Covid-19 as season 2020/21 was wiped out and has removed some gloss off our achievements but we look forward to starting season 2021-22 where we will pit our wits against well established clubs in the JD Cymru South, the highest level of football ever reached by Risca United in it`s 75 year history.

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TODAYS FIXTURE

RISCA UNITED SQUAD Jordan DIBBLE Logan BOWKETT Connor PARRY Lewis HITCHCOCK Ricky HODGE Callum HODGES Arthur FURNESS Connor HANFORD Tom REES Josh CLAYTON (C) Callum PORTER Ryan WHEELER Jordan THOMAS Lewis ELLIS Tom GAMESON Sam PALMER Taylor MARSH Leon THOMAS Matthew THOMAS Tom BERRY Jake MORRIS

LLANELLI TOWN SQUAD 27th JULY KO 19.30PM CSE STADIUM

MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE Jordan Harman

ASSISTANTS Matthew Johnson & Michelle Portelli

Management Team Manager - Simon BERRY Coach - Marc INGLES Coach - Jeff REYNOLDS

Exauce DIMONEKENE Kai REES Jordan DAVIES (C) Daniel ALFEI Miles JOHN Rob THOMAS Sam PARSONS Jack GRIFFITHS Michael MORGAN Owain TAYLOR Ricky KERR Ross JONES James LOVERIDGE Nathan LOGAN Lewis REED Sam WADE Gavin JONES Kyle COPP

Management Team Manager - Andy LEGG Coach - Gary LLOYD Coach - Chris THOMAS Coach - Simon THOMAS #cuckoos

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HISTORY OF TODAYS OPPONENTS LLANELLI TOWN The game of Association Football was introduced to the town’s people of Llanelly when workers from the Staffordshire area of England migrated to the town to work in the ‘newest’ of the town industries - the Pottery works from 1892 to 1920.

The club initially played in the Swansea & District League playing their first matches at Cae Blake, Furnace, then the Peoples Park before moving to Tunnel Road and then at Penyfan Fields.

In 1912-13 the club decided to become fully professional and applied for membership of both the Southern and Welsh League. They also moved to a new ground, Halfway Park, a former Cycle Stadium, which was situated two miles from the town centre. Their first season 1912-13 was an immediate success finishing in sixth position in the Southern League and third in the Welsh League.

The following season they entered into the Welsh Cup and reached the final at their first attempt before losing to Wrexham in a replay at Oswestry after the team had initially drawn 0-0 at Swansea Town Vetch Field.

After the First World War the club continued to participate in the Southern League and in the Welsh League with moderate success. They had ambitions of reaching the Football League and as a first step they moved to a new ground in Stebonheath in 1922 Tottenham Hotspur were the FA Cup winners of the previous season were

invited to make the occasion of opening the new ground by playing the local team and the Londoners were given a rude awakening when they lost 2-1 on the day. For the next three years Llanelli built up a reputation of being one of the leading non-league clubs in the country, and in 1925 become the only club to contest every round in the FA Cup from Preliminary to Qualifying rounds and on to the equivalent Third Round of today when they met Fulham at Craven Cottage before losing by the odd goal in a highly emotional game.

At the end of World War II with league football returning back to normality, Llanelly AFC in common with other Welsh clubs returned to the Welsh League fold and again gained a place in the Southern League succeeding Colchester United who had gained a place in the Football League.

This was another venture into a league blessed with ex-Football League players coming to the end of their careers. The manager of the time long servant Jack Goldsborough who had been a fixture in Stebo circles since 1923 as a player, trainer, coach, groundsman and secretary/manager assembled a team blessed in the main by ex Scottish League players including one John (Jock) Stein who was to find fame with Glasgow Celtic and Scotland in a managerial capacity after his playing days were over, but had made history in

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HISTORY OF TODAYS OPPONENTS LLANELLI TOWN the FA Cup with the Reds in 50-51, before the club lost to Bristol Rovers after a 2nd replay at Ninian Park. Even he and a succession of worthy managers could not prevent the indifferent seasons the club suffered which meant a lack of people through the turnstiles and by 1958 they had to seek re-election to both Southern and Welsh Leagues. They were granted a stay in the Southern League whilst had to be relegated in the Welsh League Division II (West). But worse was to follow when the Welsh FA refused to sanction their stay in the Southern League. Llanelli were left in limbo with an all time low for their future for the 1958-59 season.

But under the astute managership of Wilf Grant an England B International, promotion was gained to Division One of the Welsh League. But when Wilf Grant went on to other climes Doug Wallace and Des Palmer became managers in succession without gaining honours. For the 1967-68 season brought Gwyn Grant (who had been a backroom boy for years after a playing career) to the hot seat and his achievements were noteworthy. Three Welsh League Championship titles in 1970-71, 1976-77 and 1977-78 inspired by Gilbert Lloyd followed, but the club’s ambitions of a higher grade of football were always denied.

With the advent of the League of Wales in 1992-93 season when they became founder members.

After an initial successful season the club fell away once more, and again due to financial constraints they were relegated in season 1995-96. However, the advent of Robert Jones to the club as owner and Chairman saw the club take on a new lease of life. First Dudley Lewis as player/manager set the seeds in motion and Robbie James took over in consecutive years but in February 1988 Robbie

James tragically died at Stebonheath playing against Porthcawl. His place was taken over by Leighton James who gained promotion for the club once more to the League of Wales by virtue of their ending as runners-up to Champions Ton Pentre who had declined promotion. After one season when the club ended in a creditable fifth position he suddenly resigned and it all turned sour by 2002-03 when the club was relegated to the Welsh Division 1 once more.

In season 2003-04 saw the club regain their rightful place in the Welsh Premier League under the management of ex/players of yester year Neil O’Brien and Lee Randall. Season 2004-05 saw firstly Eddie May followed by Nick Tucker took over the helm and he managed to stave off relegation at the end of the season. During the close season the club which had been ‘up for sale’ was taken over by the Jesco Group, who decided that the club needed to turn fully professional once again after half a century of lack lustre competition except for the Welsh League Championships of 1970-71, 76-77, 77-78 seasons.

Spaniard Luca Cazorla become Director of Football and six Spanish players arrived at Stebonheath Park. But by Christmas something was adrift and Luca Cazorla left by mutual agreement with Peter Nicholas assuming control, achieving for the club for the first time in their history a position in the UEFA Cup after gaining 2nd spot. The following season 2007- 08 was one of success becoming League Champions and winning the League Cup. In season 2008-09 their Championship hopes were

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HISTORY OF TODAYS OPPONENTS LLANELLI TOWN were high but they ended in the runners up spot the biggest shock was to come before the season’s end when the tenure of Peter Nicholas was ended after five years at the helm, his contract was not renewed and Andy Legg was appointed to the ‘hot seat’. Season 2010-11 Legg saw his Reds side lift the coveted Welsh Cup with an emphatic 4-1 win against League Champions Bangor City at Parc y Scarlets and won the play-offs in 2011-12 beating

club was unable to stave off HMRC and were sadly liquated in the High Court in London on 22nd April 2013, before reforming as Llanelli Town AFC this summer and joining Welsh League Division Three for season 2013-14.

Bala 2-1 in the final. This proved the last game for prolific striker Rhys Griffiths, who had scored 280 goals in 281 games.

the 2016-17 season Andy Hill returned to the club as Manager and they won the double Div 2 and League Cup winners. 2017-18 they won the Div. 1 Championship which saw them promoted to the Welsh Premier League for the 2018-19 which unfortunately they finished bottom of the league and were relegated back to the new Cymru South League for the 2019-20 season.

The club has also enjoyed extraordinary success on the European front beating Gefle, FK Vetra, Ventspils, Motherwell and Dinamo Tbilisi, although only the win against Gefle saw the club progress over two legs. Season 2012-13, started with the club coming agonisingly close to reaching the second round of the Europa Cup, losing 3-2 to Kups. Financial trouble then hit, with Andy Legg leaving in October 2012 and Bob Jeffrey taking over in a vast cost cutting exercise. However the

In the 2013-14 season, Llanelli Town finished 6th in Welsh League Div. 3, the following season they finished as Champions being promoted to Division 2 for season 2015-16 which they finished 7th. For

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www.blacklerwm.co.uk #cuckoos

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RISCA UNITED Pen Pics Jordan DIBBLE: 22yr. old Goalkeeper: Signed Sept. 2020. A Cwmbran product who started with Croesyceiliog before spells with Newport County, Cwmbran Celtic, Cinderford Town and Malvern Town. One of the Cwmbran Dibble family of shot stoppers. A very reliable `keeper to have between the sticks.

Arthur FURNESS: 27 yr. old Full Back: A native of Brighton, Arthur started in Welsh football with Cardiff Met. Signing for us in Nov. 2018 before having a spell back in England with Reading City. He absolutely loves playing for the Cuckoos and re-signed Sept. 2020. Totally committed on and off the pitch.

Logan BOWKETT: 19 yr. old Full Back: A Newport boy who started as a 11 yr. old at the County but after 7 years didn`t quite make it at professional level before having spells at Hereford United, Barry Town and Cinderford Town. Logan signed for us Oct. 2020 and has already proved what a quality player he is.

Lewis HITCHCOCK: 28 yr. old Utility Player: Ebbw Vale boy Lewis is an experienced and gifted player who can play well in most positions. As a 17 year old he played at Merthyr Town before having spells with Aberdare Town, Ton Pentre and Abergavenny Town before joining us in July 2017 where he has become an ever present.

Connor PARRY: 19 yr. old Full Back: Local young, exciting player who loves a tackle and with a great deal of pace loves to get forward. Connor joined our Academy 6 years ago and has been a regular in the senior squad for a couple of seasons. Has been a regular in our Cymru Premier Development side for a few years as well.

Connor HANFORD: 22 yr. old Defender: Caerphilly boy who was at Newport County as a junior, an out and out defender who loves keeping clean sheets. Has had spells at Cambrian & Clydach, Merthyr Town and Pontypridd Town before signing for us in Jan. 2020.

Callum HODGES: 23 yr. old Centre Back: Cwmbran boy Callum is a towering central defender who takes great pride in trying to stop opponents from getting shots away. In his second spell with us having played in the unbeatable Monmouth Town Youth side of 2016 before joining our Cymru Development side, Also played for Croesyceiliog. Re-signed for us sept. 2020.

Ricky HODGE: 35 yr. old Centre Back: A native of Western -Super-Mare who started his Welsh football playing career at Cardiff Met. and later had spells with Cwmbran Town, Taffs Well & Penybont before signing for us in July 2019. Ricky`s experience and know how was and still is a big influence in our team. He had a huge part to play in our promotion to the Cymru South.

Tom REES: 24 yr. old Full Back: “Squeak” from Treharris is another with a great engine. After junior football he joined us 7 years ago and played in our Cymru Development side before a short spell with Aberdare Town and then a couple of seasons at Cardiff Met. A popular squad member who re-joined us in August 2019. #cuckoos

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RISCA UNITED Pen Pics Callum PORTER: 23 yr. old Midfield: Local boy Callum is not just a Mid-Fielder he`s another player who can play well in other positions. As a 16 year old was at Newport County and was later a member of the Monmouth Town Youth team that were unbeaten Welsh League Youth Champions in 2016. Has been a regular with us since signing in August 2016.

Josh CLAYTON: 30 yr. old Midfield & Club Captain: Vastly experienced who has a great engine and is a super fit box to box player but like others in the squad does a very good job elsewhere when the need arises. Totally committed to the Cuckoos having been with us since 2010, bleeds Black & White.

Lewis ELLIS: 29 yr. old Midfield: A very experienced and cultured player who was at Barry Town as a 16 year old before moving onto Penybont via a short move to play in Sweden. In his second spell with us following a season in 2026/17. He also counts spells with Cinderford Town, Taffs Well, Cwmbran Celtic & Pontypridd Town as former clubs. Returned to us in July this year.

Jordan THOMAS: 20 year old Midfield: Signed for us 5 years ago and played in our Academy and Cymru Development sides before breaking into the senior squad. Hard working with an eye for goals from distance. His stocky build ensures he is strong on the ball and not easily robbed of possession.

Tom GAMESON: 23 year old Midfield: Blackwood boy Tom is a new signing in June this year. A tall elegant player with a great range of passing and great close control who enjoys a good physical battle as well. His previous clubs includes Treowen Stars, Aberbargoed Buds and Taffs Well.

Sam PALMER: 34 year old Midfield: There`s no substitute for experience and Hereford born Sam has loads of that gained from 10 years with Monmouth Town, Where he was a Welsh League Division 1 winner, before moving to Caerphilly in 2017 when he signed for us. This likeable bloke has been a regular since and pops up with the odd goal or two.

Ryan WHEELER: 21 yr. old Midfield: Local boy “Naught” played Gwent County football for A.C. Pontymister until finally making the step up to us in July 2019.

He made an impact from day one, we regret him not joining us sooner. He has great close control and a great engine with a never say die attitude and was another who had a big say in our promotion to the Cymru South.

Leon THOMAS: 20 year old Forward: Caerphilly boy Leon signed for our Academy in 2015 where he quickly progressed and went on to be an important member of our Cymru Development team as well as breaking into the senior side a couple of seasons ago. Great first touch and loves drifting past defenders.

Taylor MARSH: 20 year old Forward: Local boy Taylor played junior football before joining our Academy where he quickly caught the eye of Bristol Rovers but two years ago they released him after a loan spell at Forest Green Rovers. He re-signed with us and helped us achieve promotion to the Cymru South. A scorer #cuckoos

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RISCA UNITED Pen Pics Tom BERRY: 24 yr. old Forward: Newport boy Tom has a stocky build but don`t be fooled, he has great ball control, is physically very strong and combines it with a powerful shot. Spent time with Newport County as a youngster and was another member of the unbeatable Monmouth Town Youth champions of 2016. Has been with us since and is another who helped us secure promotion to this level.

Matthew THOMAS: 28 yr. old Forward: Local boy “Tuna” played Gwent County football for home town Abercarn before joining us in Jan. 2015 before moving onto a short spell with Cinderford Town in-between a couple of seasons in the Cymru Premier for Carmarthen Town. He returned to us in 2017 to pick up where he left off. He may be a striker but is often our first line of defence, his work rate in every game is a great example to his team mates.

Jake MORRIS: 16 yr. old. Forward: This well built young striker hails from Bargoed and spent two seasons with Swansea City from the age of 11. He joined our Academy in 2018 where he has continued to catch the eye. At such a young age to be included at this level of football shows he has the managers trust. We look forward to seeing how far he can advance.

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The recruitment and retention of referees is essential to the development of the game in Wales. Contact your local area referees association or check out : WWW.BECOMEAREF.WALES

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LLANELLI TOWN Pen Pics

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LLANELLI TOWN Pen Pics

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OPTION 1: MATCH BALL SPONSOR 

Half page advert in matchday programme

OPTION 2: MATCH SPONSOR   



£50

Full page advert in matchday programme Mentioned in match promotional material Entry to the game x2 people

OPTION 3: PLAYER SPONSOR 

£25

£50

Mentioned in every matchday programme alongside sponsored player Mentioned in social media posts related to the sponsored player

OPTION 4: MATCHDAY PROGRAMME £50 Half Page 

Advert for every home match for the season

OPTION 5: PITCH SIDE ADVERT   

£75 Full Page £200

Sponsor banner displayed pitch side Full page advert in matchday programme Discounted renewal fee for following season

Other options or combinations are available including teamwear sponsorship. Also options for Academy age group teams. Please send enquiries to:

riscautd@gmail.com #cuckoos

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Enjoy a pre or post match drink or meal at the Coopers Arms, or any other time you fancy it.

Tel : 01443 814319

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FIXTURES & RESULTS 2021 / 22

17-Jul

Llantwit Major

A

3-3 2 - 4 Pens

24-Jul

Afan Lido

H

2-3

27-Jul

Llanelli Town

H

JD Cymru South

31-Jul

Carmarthen Town

A

JD Cymru South

07-Aug Trefelin BGC

A

Nathaniel MG Cup R1

10-Aug Pontypridd Town

A

JD Cymru South

14-Aug Llantwit Major

A

JD Welsh Cup

H

JD Cymru South

21-Aug Trefelin BGC

A

JD Cymru South

24-Aug Briton Ferry Llansawel

H

JD Cymru South

27-Aug Taffs Well

H

JD Cymru South

11-Sep Llantwit Major

A

JD Cymru South

18-Sep Swansea University

H

JD Cymru South

01-Oct Briton Ferry Llansawel

A

JD Cymru South

22-Oct Undy Athletic

H

JD Cymru South

29-Oct Cambrian & Clydach

A

JD Cymru South

H #cuckoos

JD Cymru South

TBA

Port Talbot Town

05-Nov Goytre United

Nathaniel MG Cup R1 JD Cymru South

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FIXTURES & RESULTS 2021 / 22

19-Nov Ammanford

A

JD Cymru South

03-Dec Ammanford

H

JD Cymru South

10-Dec Goytre United

A

JD Cymru South

17-Dec Cambrian & Clydach

H

JD Cymru South

27-Dec Cwmbran Celtic

H

JD Cymru South

01-Jan

Cwmbran Celtic

H

JD Cymru South

21-Jan

Swansea University

A

JD Cymru South

28-Jan

Llantwit Major

H

JD Cymru South

12-Feb Undy Athletic

A

JD Cymru South

25-Feb Taffs Well

A

JD Cymru South

04-Mar Llanelli Town

A

JD Cymru South

12-Mar Port Talbot Town

A

JD Cymru South

18-Mar Pontypridd Town

H

JD Cymru South

01-Apr Trefelin

H

JD Cymru South

09-Apr Carmarthen Town

H

JD Cymru South

23-Apr Afan Lido

A

JD Cymru South

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PREVIOUS MATCHDAY RESULTS

MD 1 Friday 23rd July

Saturday 24th July

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WANT AN ADVERT IN THE PROGRAMME?

YOUR ADVERT COULD BE HERE

For programme adverts or other sponsorship opportunities please send enquiries to: riscautd@gmail.com #cuckoos

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Match of the Day: Welsh Blood Service teams up with FAW’s Cymru Leagues & WPWL urging Risca United supporters to save lives 'Blood, sweat and cheers’ campaign aims to get football fans into donation centres in Caerphilly.

The Welsh Blood Service has partnered with the FAW’s JD Cymru Leagues and Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League to launch a brand-new campaign to encourage Risca United fans to donate blood this season and to help save lives in the local community.

Through its ‘Blood, Sweat and Cheers’ campaign, clubs are being encouraged by the Welsh Blood Service to engage with their supporters and local communities to promote the importance of giving blood and signing up football fans to save thousands of lives. The campaign has received support from former Wales midfielder Owain Tudur Jones and Wales forward Natasha Harding.

Every single day the Welsh Blood Service needs to collect 350 blood donations to supply hospitals with enough blood for patients.

Blood and its by-products play a vital role in saving lives each day, with donations helping accident victims, patients having a kidney, liver or an organ transplant, pregnant women, leukaemia and cancer patients, someone about to undergo open heart surgery and premature babies who cannot survive without a blood transfusion.

The Welsh Blood Service collects 100,000 blood donations each year from roughly 70,000 volunteer donors. In its new role as the official community partner of the FAW’s Cymru Leagues and Welsh Premier Women’s League*, the Welsh Blood Service is hoping the ‘Blood, Sweat and Cheers’ campaign will help the organisation with its goal of signing 11,000 new blood donors in 2020.

Although the pandemic temporarily stopped football fans from attending games, clubs are asking supporters to cheer their team on by making a potentially lifesaving blood donation. Giving blood is considered an essential service, and donation sessions have continued across Wales throughout the pandemic with additional safety measures introduced to meet Welsh Government guidance for donors attending.

Professor Donna Mead, chair of Velindre University NHS Trust, said: “This is a brilliant result for the Welsh Blood Service. These football clubs have a huge connection with their local communities and we really hope that our ‘Blood, Sweat and Cheers’ campaign will inspire fans to drop into a local donation centre. #cuckoos 29

Stephen Williams, Chairman of the National Leagues Board, said: “The Welsh Blood Service is our first community partner for the JD Cymru Leagues and Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League and we’re delighted to have made such an important signing. In each and every community across Wales there are people whose lives have been supported by blood donation and we’re calling on football fans to get involved and be lifesaving champions.

“We know football clubs across all levels of the game are often at the heart of their communities and during what continues to be a difficult time for all, we are grateful to provide clubs and fans an opportunity to play an important role.

With around 1,600 donation sessions at 400 different venues across Wales every year, there are plenty of opportunities for fans to find their nearest session and make a difference. Anyone aged between 17 and 66 can enrol online and become a donor. From start to finish, the process of donating takes just less than one hour, with the actual blood donation lasting only five to ten minutes.

The Welsh Blood Service has introduced a new function on its website which will allow fans from clubs across Wales to click on their club’s emblem and view a list of upcoming donation centres local to them. To learn more about those sessions or donating blood, visit wbs.wales/football and enter your postcode to find all donation sessions in your area.

#cuckoos

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Did you know that Welsh hospitals need 350 blood donations a day?

That’s a lot of blood!

Risca Utd is helping the WelshBlood to reach this target – can you help?

Next dates nearby: Pontllanfraith LC: 27th July, 23rd, 24th August Parkway Hotel & Spa: 12th August Newport: 5th, 6th, 17th & 18th August Bryn Meadows: 2nd, 19th & 23rd August Register at www.wbs.wales/RiscaUAFC

#cuckoos

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RISCA UNITED NEXT MATCH

MATCHDAY 3

COME AND SUPPORT THE CUCKOOS ON THE ROAD #cuckoos

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