A FOOTBALL club in Wrexham is doing all it can to ensure they remain in the Welsh National League.

Queens Park Football Club, based in Caia Park, now has until 2020 to meet all the essential criteria set by the Welsh Football Association.

Dave Evans, 43, first team manager at the club, expressed his gratitude towards the local community who have all rallied together in the hope of ensuring that the team remains in the league.

Barry ‘Macca’ Ellis, the club chairman, put the first spade in the ground.

He said: “We’re doing all this work in order to stay in the Welsh National League.

“Our hands were tied as according to the Welsh Football Association we needed to meet a number of criteria.

The Leader:

“We’re half way through the list but we’re just waiting on Wrexham Council to lease us the land for ten years in order to build 150 seats for our visitors.”

According to Mr Evans, despite the club winning the league last year they were not able to get promoted due to not meeting the specific criteria.

“The Welsh Football Association offers a pot of money but we need to meet all their criteria by summer of 2020 for them to release the funds.

“In order for the club to continue, it’s essential for us to do this.

“It’s amazing to see the whole community come together, on Saturday, July 6, we had 70 volunteers helping us.”

In 2018, the club experienced the loss of their much-loved coach, Martin Ford, who sadly passed away at the age of just 39 and are now doing all they can to ensure that his legacy lives on for generations to come.

The Leader:

Mr Evans, said: “So far, we’ve fixed and painted railings and are hoping to build two new dugouts with locks on. We’ve just recently completed creating our crest at the start of our new walkway.

“It’s been unbelievable work by everyone. We’re a community based team that is currently rebuilding.

“Our on-field success has involved promotions and cup wins.

“However, none of this will make up for the loss of our club founder Martin Ford, who sadly passed away last year.”

Darren Williams, Wrexham Council, said: “We’re dealing with Queens Park FC directly on this matter. They’re one of a number of clubs we’re working with to carry out community asset transfers. However, such transfers can be lengthy processes and we’ve had to work to defined policy in order to make sure all such transfers are viable.”