COLWYN BAY FC - FOOTBALL IN THE COMMUNITY

The club has created the new community interest company (CIC) in order to offer a more diverse and extensive outreach programme within the area. CBFITC aims to promote all areas of football development and will use the motivational power of football and the inspirational setting of the football ground (Llanelian Road) to educate and promote positive lifestyle messages.

The new organisation replaces the existing club’s community department and allows the community team to bid for grant aid which is available to non-profit making organisations.

To drive the CBFITC forward working alongside Mal Jackson (CBFC Community Director) the club have appointed Kelly Davies as General Manager. Kelly (pictured below) holds a BA Honours in Sports Science as well as an MBA in football industries. Kelly is also a talented footballer having gained 19 full caps for Wales Ladies whilst playing professionally, as well as coaching, for Arsenal and Liverpool Ladies. Kelly also has previous experience of setting up and working within successful FITC schemes.

“I am delighted to have been appointed to the post, and I welcome the opportunity to build on the club’s commitment to improve the quality of the local community it serves.” said Kelly on her new role.

Kelly added: ”Coming from a football and community based background, and after discussions with the clubs directors, I can see the huge potential Colwyn Bay Football Club and its community programme has.”

“My aim is continue the expansion of the programme and by implementing various social engagement activities. Additionally, I hope to form strong relationships with local partners and work together on projects that can help address issues such as anti-social behaviour, education and unemployment. I also have other ‘innovative’ ideas that I will look to implement in the near future!”

Christian Fontana has also been appointed to the position of Projects Manager. Christian, who is a graduate from Bangor University, has previous experience as Operations Manager for a Sports Tours company which involved dealing with a number of football clubs, world-wide and brings with him strong organisational skills. 

CBFITC will continue to offer all the existing “Fun Football” activities which will continue to be overseen by Chris Whitley, an “A” licensed UEFA coach who has many years experience working with Welsh international youth squads. Chris will assume the role of “Head of Youth Development” in the new organisation. The fun football activities include the Under 9’s programme & holiday soccer camps, with the addition of a schools coaching programme.

December will see the start of an entirely new initiative ‘Little Stars Kick Start’ - a carefully designed football program for youngsters under the age of five years to help them develop basic motor and communication skills.

 “A strong community focus is imperative for any football club at any level, therefore, the club has assembled a strong team to ensure that we are able to create and maintain stronger links within the community through a number of initiatives & projects.” said Darren Cartwright, CBFC Managing Director.

“We will also be looking to provide football development opportunities at all levels of the game. We believe that our efforts will produce positive outcomes for the area and for the club itself”

For further information on any of the schemes or if you would like to enquire as to how your organisation could get involved please contact:
Kelly Davies, Colwyn Bay FITC General Manager:
Mob: 07725576997 
Email: Kelly@cbfitc.co.uk