WELSHPOOL Town Football Club's thriving junior section is once again back up and running.

Junior club spokesman Gareth Watkins paid tribute to the club's band of volunteers and coaches as well as neighbouring clubs for their support.

The club has one of the largest junior sections in the region but finding training and playing facilities to serve the growing need has become all the more challenging since the loss of Salop Field for a new school.

"It's fair to say it's been a big challenge for the club to support all of our teams since the return to football.

"We have 13 male teams, an under nine's girls team, a girls huddle and the women's team.

"This, under normal circumstances, takes a logistical masterclass to coordinate and following the removal of the Salop roads pitches and the main pitch being out of action due to Town Council rules it has taken towns, villages and multi sport disciplines to collaborate under the expert, and calm head of our club secretary Eva Bredsdorff.

"In addition to the logistics Eva has also managed the Covid protocols and risk assessments. A big thanks must go to Eva for her work."

On the pitch the under 12s, under 14s and under 10s boys along with the under 9s girls side have enjoyed friendly matches.

Watkins added: "Although these are just friendly fixtures and there are some favourable scorelines there we as a club highly value the performance and the journey.

"It's great to hear the coaches speak so highly of players' attitude and the way they conduct themselves during competition. Hopefully by the time these players get to the senior team, or beyond, they will be prepared to perform well and performances will turn in to promotions and trophies.

"Once again thanks to Welshpool Rugby Club and Guilsfield Football Club and Community Centre. A big thanks to the coaches for their time and efforts, it doesn't go unnoticed.

"And finally to you players, well done to you. Keep working hard and success will come your way."