NORTH WALES CRUSADERS have relocated for the 2021 campaign and will play their home fixtures at Stadiwm ZipWorld in Colwyn Bay, writes RYAN GOULD.

As Crusaders are unable to play at Queensway Stadium because of COVID-19 regulations, they have signed a deal with Conwy County Borough Council to call Stadiwm ZipWorld home in 2021.

Stadiwm ZipWorld is a 5,500-capacity venue with a range of first-class facilities available on site, including a state-of-the-art gym, corporate boxes and a hospitality area.

North Wales have been based at Queensway Stadium in Wrexham permanently since the 2017 campaign after leaving the Racecourse Stadium, but COVID-19 regulations mean they’ve had to look elsewhere and Stadiwm ZipWorld has proved to be the perfect venue.

Crusaders chief executive Andy Moulsdale said: “We’ve had to adapt on and off the field because of the pandemic, but this move to Stadiwm ZipWorld creates so many opportunities for the club.

“While we’ll be doing everything we can to look after our current fan base in Wrexham by working with them to arrange transport to matches once guidelines allow, this is a chance for us to gain more followers across the whole of the region.

“Stadiwm ZipWorld is a fantastic facility in a great location, with the beach only a couple of hundred metres away and Conwy Castle a couple of miles down the road.

“At Queensway, we’ve been limited to a couple of income streams because of the facilities on site, but our new home will allow us to welcome fans, sponsors and partners to matches in the hospitality area and improve the overall matchday experience we offer.

“We hope all our supports appreciate the decision we’ve had to make and get behind us every step of the way, as they always do, in 2021.

“We’ll be working with the Welsh government and local authorities to try and get crowds back as soon as we can.

“These are really exciting times for the club as we look to have a successful season both on and off the field in League 1.”

Conwy County Borough Council principal leisure manager Mally Tidswell added: “We’re delighted to welcome Crusaders here to Stadiwm ZipWorld.

“It’s been an extremely difficult year in sport and we’re pleased to have been able to step in and provide a facility for them to host their League 1 fixtures in 2021.

“We’ll be working with Crusaders and the Welsh government to try and get crowds into the stadium as soon as it is safe to do so.

“We look forward to working closely with them and wish them every success this season.”