THE Bank Holiday weekend saw the closure of the season of Brecon Corries AFC with only a solitary fixture to fulfil in Gouesnou, France.

Managers Ade Boyde and Huw Thomas travel to Brecon’s twin town this week with their U14 side aiming to topple ‘Les Bleus’ in their own back yard.

Over the past year, the team, family members, coaches and friends have spent hours bag-packing in Morrisons and have scaled the equivalent height of Mt Everest through countless ascents of Pen-Y-Fan and the Crug in order to raise significant funds for the trip. After a successful season on home home soil where the team has grown in stature and ability, the future is bright for this age group.

One special mention should be given to Miss Carys Bufton whose dedication to the sport saw her represent Wales earlier in the year. Maybe she’ll score some winning goals in the Champion’s League one day like Wales’ very own did this week?

Unfortunately for the seniors, there’s been no European travel and the only tedious link to a French Connection has been the dead-ringer for Zinedine Zidane otherwise known as manager Damien Daniels. He and his support team of Les Mellor and Wayne “Scoinz” Pritchard have worked tirelessly with the players to give everything possible for another successful season, finishing in 6th place in arguably one of Wales’ toughest leagues. With 15 wins, 5 draws and 10 losses, the Corries scored 77 goals and boasted a healthy +24 goal difference. Bagging a large proportion of the goals was Paul Keddle who was on the score sheet pretty much each week and probably amassed an equal number of cautions as his quest for perfection and competitive temperament keeping defenders, goalkeepers and referees busy all season long. There were some notable performances during the season which included a very tough draw at home to the undefeated League Champions Penydarren BGC and back to back 7-0 wins against Baglan Dragons and Cardiff Corries. The squad was captained by Stephen Price who was also the leader of the SWFA Regional outfit who will again represent Wales in the UEFA Regions Cup. At the end of season presentation, held in The Bank Bar, it was was Gareth Aplin who took Player of the Season with Jordan Baker being named as Players Player and Supporters Player of the Year.

Whilst we are on the subject of supporters, the Corries would like to thank the “Big6” and other regulars who’ve braved, sun, wind, rain, sleet, snow, more rain, more snow and probably more rain than ever this year.

Without a pitch in such magnificent condition we’d struggle to have played our allotted games given the inclement weather this year so a big thanks must go out to Bob, Malcolm and Jeff who continue to ensure the ground and facilities are prepared for each home game.

The Junior Corries section has grown steadily over the last few seasons and young talent continues to be carefully nurtured, honed and protected by coaches: Adam Tebbitt & Gareth Pugh (Tweenies), Stuart Clark & Simon Croppier (U8’s), Shona Higgins (U8’s Girls), Matt Scanlon, Gwyn Jones & Karen Jones (U10’s), Richard & Neil Shepherd (U12’s). With a very committed team of coaches, parents, guardians, grand parents, family and friends, the future of Brecon Corries AFC looks considerably bright. Well structured, consistent and strategic development of the youth setup is now reaping rewards of the hard work players, parents and coaches have all given. The Corries are the only club in the South Powys Junior Football League who can boast an all-girls side and as with the Corries Juniors generally, numbers, support and interest continues to grow. Many clubs have come and gone within our community but Brecon Corries AFC has been in existence for a very long time (circa 1940) and the Juniors remain an absolute Jewell in the Crown.

So the end of another year at Brecon Corries AFC which continues to give young and old a place to play, support and be part of what is going to remain a big part of the community. Without our very kind sponsors, we’d struggle to sustain the quality which we strive to achieve. Thank you to all of our sponsors, supporters, players and friends as we say goodbye for a few months and look forward to August and the 2018/19 season.