Colwyn Bay FC Foundation has officially become a registered charity, marking a significant milestone for an organisation which has already reached more than 9,500 people across North Wales.

The Foundation, which launched in January this year, aims to use the profile and influence of Colwyn Bay Football Club to make a difference beyond the football pitch, supporting people through education, sport, health and wellbeing initiatives.

Achieving charitable status is expected to help the organisation attract further investment, develop new partnerships and expand the range of support it offers to local communities.

Its existing programmes include Primary Seagulls, which delivers education and physical activity in primary schools, and Street Seagulls, offering free football sessions, youth clubs and safe spaces for young people.

Other initiatives include Inspire, supporting secondary school pupils who face challenges with engagement and achievement, and Play, which focuses on early childhood development.

The Foundation also runs Kicking Off Careers, helping young people aged 16 to 25 who are not in education, employment or training to develop skills and improve their job prospects.

Its 90 Minute Club provides opportunities for older adults to stay active and socially connected.

The organisation works alongside schools, local authorities, community groups and grassroots sports clubs, with further plans to develop opportunities in education, employability, volunteering and leadership.

Josh Antoniou, speaking on behalf of the Foundation, said becoming a registered charity was a proud moment and an important step towards its ambition of making a lasting difference to people's lives.

He said the organisation had always wanted to create something that went beyond football, using the club's position in the community to bring people together and create opportunities.

He added that reaching more than 9,500 participants in such a short time demonstrated both the demand for its work and the potential to make an even greater difference across North Wales.

Colwyn Bay FC director Jody Johnson said charitable status would allow the Foundation to deliver more community programmes and reach a wider range of people.

He said the organisation was already providing activities ranging from free football and education to health, wellbeing and employment support.

The Foundation now plans to build on its existing work, with particular emphasis on supporting children and young people, tackling social isolation, improving physical and mental health and creating pathways into training and employment.

The development also supports the football club's wider ambition to play a bigger role in community life, demonstrating how its influence can extend well beyond what happens on the pitch.