November 11, 2026 - 184 views
Young footballers from Wrexham swapped the pitch for a care home visit, where they received some expert advice from two former professionals, including a former Bangor City player.
Penycae Under-13s visited residents at Pendine Park’s Highfield care home in Wrexham, enjoying a gentle indoor kickabout before sitting down for cakes, fudge and refreshments.
Among those watching the girls in action were former professionals Malcolm Edwards and Alec Croft, who shared their memories of playing the game.
Wrexham-born Malcolm, 86, played for Bolton Wanderers, Chester, Tranmere Rovers and Barrow. He also featured alongside football legends Nat Lofthouse and Billy Wright in Bolton's 4-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1958 Charity Shield.
Alec, 89, made more than 50 appearances for Chester between 1958 and 1961 before moving to Bangor City.
The visit was organised as a thank-you to Pendine Park, which has nine care homes across Wrexham and Caernarfon, for sponsoring the girls' team through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust.
The link-up was arranged by Highfield deputy manager Emma George, whose 12-year-old daughter Pippa plays for the team.
Emma said the sponsorship had been a tremendous boost for the players, who had also enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with residents and share their love of football.
The team was formed three years ago and now has 12 players competing in the North East Wales Football Association league structure.
Pippa, who attends Ysgol Rhiwabon, said she had been playing for around two years and particularly enjoyed playing striker or midfield alongside her friends.
Teammate Lily Rainey-Rushton, from Ysgol Dinas Bran, said she enjoyed the teamwork and the excitement of winning matches.
Team administrator Rebecca Wilkins said finding sponsors for girls' grassroots football could be difficult, and thanked Pendine for helping make the team possible.
She said the sport was continuing to grow locally, with around 12 girls' teams now playing in the area.
Pendine's Mario Kreft said supporting the team was particularly fitting as the organisation celebrates its 40th anniversary, adding that football was a passion shared by both himself and his wife Gill.
He said it was wonderful to see the girls wearing their sponsored kit and bringing different generations together through their shared enjoyment of the game.
