Duke of Edinburgh visits The New Saints FC Foundation

After visiting two other local charities earlier in the day – Derwen College in Gobowen and OsNosh in Oswestry Town Centre – The Duke of Edinburgh also stopped off at Park Hall Stadium – the home of the JD Cymru Premier champions.

The New Saints FC Foundation is a registered charity established in October 2013, with a focus on using the positive influences and opportunities offered by the ethos, staff and resources of The New Saints Football Club to promote participation in community-based diversionary, fun, single or multi-sport activities.

Now into its 12th year, The New Saints FC Foundation engages with over 1500 young people on a weekly basis with a team comprised of qualified teachers, sports coaches and youth workers.

The Duke was met by directors and staff of The New Saints FC Foundation, before undertaking a tour of a Foundation and football club marketplace, comprised of stalls presenting the Foundation and the club’s work within the community.

There was then an on-pitch demonstration, where His Royal Highness observed different groups taking part in activities.

Students from the Marches Academy, as well as players from The New Saints FC’s Academy and Scholarship programme, occupied half of the pitch, while The New Saints FC men’s first team – who this season became the first Welsh domestic club to qualify for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League – demonstrated training activity on the other.

Before the visit concluded, The Duke thanked everyone for their attendance, before unveiling a plaque commemorating the visit.

Speaking after today’s visit, Foundation manager Gill Jones said: “We are honoured to have hosted His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at Park Hall Stadium this afternoon.

“The visit is a proud moment for The New Saints FC Foundation and The New Saints Football Club, and we were delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the important work that we do within the community.”

Sam Wood -Media and Communications Officer, The New Saints FC