CRAIG Williams has been appointed head of coaching at Newtown Football Club.

Meanwhile Nia Davies has made history as the first female head of coaching in the JD Welsh Premier after taking on a similar role at newly promoted Penybont.

Last week both attended a week long Football Association of Wales (FAW) coaching education course in Newport and joined by Australia legend Tim Cahill in working toward their UEFA A coaching qualification.

Williams will oversee player identification, player development, coach education and community engagement as part of his new role.

Club spokesman Barry Gardner said: “The club is delighted to appoint Craig as our first full time head of coaching.

“As part of his role he will identify and develop young players from across the area while also helping increase the club’s presence among schools and other local clubs.

“We also hope to make Newtown Football Club the centre of coach development in the region.

“As a player who came through the academy to captaining the first team in Europe the club believes Craig represents a role model to young players who wish to emulate him.”

Williams revealed his pride at his new role and eagerness to start.

Williams said: “I want to aid the continual improvement of our academy and development phases and ensure we are working at the best level we can.

“We’ll be working with our coaches, our players and also within the wider community to aid football development in our area.”

Meanwhile Davies has smashed the glass ceiling with her appointment as the first female head of coaching in JD Welsh Premier history after being unveiled by Bridgend based Penybont.

Davies joins following a successful five year spell at Swansea City where she made history as the first full-time female English Premier League academy coach.

The former Llanfair Caereinion High School student, originally from Sarn, said: “As a club that’s been promoted to the Welsh Premier this year it shows the ambition the club has to progress and go further and develop the players in the area.

“I am really excited to start my new role and work with the excellent people at Penybont.”

Previously Davies enjoyed a playing career with spells at Newtown and TNS before a spell in the United States of America.

A further spell at Llanidloes Town was followed with Davies following her dream to South Wales where she embarked on successful and historical five years at Swansea City.

A Penybont Football Club statement read; “This is a great acquisition for the club as Nia is highly qualified and comes to us from Swansea City where she has been for a number of years developing her coaching skills.

“Nia will develop all aspects of coaching at the club, predominately within the academy sector but Penybont FC are all about inclusion, so working with the community and local schools will also be a fundamental part of the job.”