BALA TOWN'S Chief executive is urging all involved in local football to be 'positive and proactive' in approach to the sport in the new year.

Nigel Aykroyd says clubs and its volunteers must 'put behind us the damage that the virus has done' to the sport.

In a statement on the JD Cymru Premier club's website, Mr Aykroyd wished supporters, players and officials a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, adding: "As we move from 2020 to 2021 it will surely be no surprise that the vast majority of people will be delighted to see the back of last year.

"Every single walk of life has been adversely affected by the COVID 19 pandemic which has afflicted the world since the first month of January and none more so than our beloved football game. It is difficult to chronicle exactly the impact it has had at all levels and across all ages but suffice it to say that it has been a huge challenge that we all have faced”

“We open a new chapter with the exciting prospect of a gradual return to normality and the anticipation of a closely fought battle for JD Cymru Premier League honours. We have performed exceptionally well to put us in a position to challenge at the very top of the Welsh Pyramid and the prospect of some exceptional matches after the League split is something we can all look forward to especially when our spectators can once again return to our grounds”

“2020 however despite the huge difficulties which we faced due to the virus was also once again a hugely memorable year!! It resulted in our Club once again re-writing the history books when they won their first Europa Cup tie with an outstanding result in Valletta. We then had the privilege of a visit to Standard Liege and performed superbly against such a well renowned European team.

“We were delighted to finish 3rd in the Premier last season which enabled our European qualification and we have continued to push towards the very top in this new campaign. We have more to offer in 2021, watch this space. Colin Caton remains at the helm in his 18th year in charge and we will be writing more historical achievements if this longevity continues.

"Dedication and committment at the very highest level! We were also proud of Our Captain Chris Venables who once again won the Golden Boot award and his dedication and commitment to the Club has been exemplary throughout his 5 seasons with us. We are so fortunate to have so many high quality people at our club.

“My sincere gratitude to all the volunteers who contribute so much to the running of the Club and to our really hardworking Club officials who have had an enormously difficult year to contend with the added pressures of COVID protocols and safety! It has been a huge challenge but we remain committed to ensure our Club continues to succeed at all levels and provide a superb facility for the whole of our community.

“As has always been the case our Sponsors are the lifeblood our Club and their commitment to us has been superb despite the financial constraints that have affected every business since the pandemic outbreak. Their continued support is so crucial to us all at Maes Tegid and words are really insufficient to express our sincere gratitude to them all. You are all so important to this Football Club.

“Diolch ofnadwy pawb! Let’s hope that the virus is finally defeated in 2021 and that our Club continues to thrive despite the challenges which we will face."