A FOOTBALL CLUB based near Bala is aiming to raise £47,000 in order to remain in the third tier next season.

Llanuwchllyn FC, who currently play in the Wrexham Area Premier Division, need to raise the substantial sum in order to re-develop their playing field, hard standing paths and erect a 100-seater stand to meet new criteria set by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) for the 2020/21 season.

A GoFundMe page on behalf of the club has raised £3,700 to date and a club spokesperson said this would be added to further funds raised over the years, as well as a grant from the FAW.

The spokesperson added: "We need roughly to raise up to £47,000 to re-develop the playing field itself, hard standing paths, a 100-seater stand and some new equipment.

"If we do not carry out these changes, we will not be able maintain our current standing which will result in the closure of our club.

"We have however had a great reaction so far to our GoFundMe page and are very thankful to every contribution.

"A couple of events we had planned over summer have had to be postponed due to coronavirus, including a gig held at the Plas Coch in Bala with local bands, Candelas and Y Cledrau. Hopefully this will be re-arranged in future.

"It is very exciting times for our club, and when football and normality returns, we hope to have raised enough money to have a top quality football facility for the community to enjoy for generations to come."

Having launched the appeal to fund the necessary improvements, plans have now been submitted to the Snowdonia National Park Authority for the new 100 seater stand at Llanuwchllyn's ground.

A decision on that is expected in the coming weeks.

The club itself was established in 1957 and provides income to the local village hall by using its facilities.

The Llanuwchllyn Agricultural Show and Festival also benefit from using the playing field.

To donate to Llanuwchllyn FC's cause, go to: www.gofundme.com/f/gwelliannau-clwb-peldroed-llanuwchllyn