WHAT a first year it has been for a group of young footballers in the Vale of Clwyd.

The under-six side is celebrating a year together after first coming together for fun football sessions at Denbigh Town Junior Football Club in 2022.

Led by Liam Jones, David Patterson and Huw Roberts, the team have been training once a week and playing regular games on a Sunday morning.

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Liam said: "They are such a great group and they all seem to be really enjoying learning the game.

"They are definitely improving.

"For us parents it's exactly what we want our children to be part of.

"They're part of something that's fun, teaches them good social skills and builds their confidence.

"It's a bit noisy at times but they are six years old and having fun so its all good.

"We've loved doing the coaching with them this season and watching them develop."

READ MORE: Denbigh football awarded Platinum accreditation by FAW

The team's all-red kit is sponsored by Steve Mellor Repair Centre sponsored all-red kit.

Over the weekend, the Denbigh team had a fantastic morning of football in Prestatyn as they played a round-robin of mini matches with Prestatyn Athletic and Pentre FC, of Abergele. 

Earlier this year, Denbigh Town Football Club's junior section was awarded Platinum Accreditation status by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) under the Club Accreditation Programme.

The programme scrutinises how junior football clubs in Wales are structured and operate.

The Platinum Award is the highest level of accreditation the FAW can award a club, assessing the number and quality of coaches, club governance and equipment, and that arrangements are in place to ensure a positive experience for all players. 

The award applies to all 14 junior teams at Denbigh Town FC, ranging from under-six all the way through to under-16s.

Across Wales, only five per cent of clubs achieved Platinum status last season, demonstrating the outstanding efforts of the club to achieve the accreditation.

As well as volunteering their own time as coaches, Chris Hughes and Mark Jones put in additional voluntary hours as committee members and have been leading the work in putting the accreditation application together.

Chris said “It’s a massive achievement to be awarded Platinum status.

"It demonstrates how well set up we are as a club and we are now one of the top junior clubs in Wales.”

There are 32 junior coaches at Denbigh Town Juniors, all with a UEFA/FAW coaching certificate.

The coaching team, all volunteers, hold qualifications ranging from the entry level Football Leaders Award, through to the top level, the UEFA Pro Licence which is required to manage at professional and international level.