Chairman's Open Letter 2026/27 Season

Dear Players, Parents, Coaches, Volunteers, Supporters and Members of the Johnstown Football Club Community,

It is an immense privilege to have been re-elected as Chairman of Johnstown Football Club for the 2026/27 season. I would like to sincerely thank our members for the confidence they have shown in both myself and the committee. It is a responsibility I am incredibly proud to continue, and one that I do not take lightly.

Over the past year, we have continued to strengthen every area of our football club. None of this would have been possible without the collective efforts of our volunteers, coaches, committee members, sponsors and families. Johnstown Football Club has always been about far more than football; it is about creating opportunities, bringing people together and providing a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can thrive at a 'proper club'.

Reflecting on a Successful Year

The 2025/26 season was another significant step forward for our club. Across our Mini, Junior, Women's and Men's sections, we witnessed commitment, development and success both on and off the pitch.

We continued to strengthen our position as one of Wales' leading grassroots clubs, maintaining our FAW Platinum Accreditation - the only club in our local area to hold this highest level of FAW accreditation - while further developing the quality of coaching, governance and player experience throughout the club. Our player pathway now proudly provides opportunities for boys and girls from Under 5s right through to senior football, ensuring that local players have the opportunity to represent Johnstown at every stage of their footballing journey.

One of the highlights of the year for many of us was our annual Mini & Junior Festival, which welcomed thousands of players, families and supporters to our part of the world. It showcased everything that makes our club special; teamwork, community spirit and an incredible volunteer workforce.

The funds raised through the festival will play a vital role in supporting our Mini and Junior section throughout another season, helping us continue to provide opportunities for young people across our community. We are equally proud that the success of the festival has also enabled the club to make charitable donations to two local organisations, Canolfan Elfed Inclusion Centre and Sandy Bear Children's Bereavement Charity, who have provided invaluable support to members of our club community in recent years. Being able to give something back to organisations that make such a positive difference to local families reflects the values that Johnstown Football Club is built upon.

Behind the scenes, we have also continued investing in the long-term future of the club by strengthening our committee structures, welcoming new volunteers and improving how we communicate with our members through our website and social media platforms.

As one season ends and another begins, it also marks the time to say thank you to those volunteers whose time with the club has come to an end. On behalf of everyone at Johnstown Football Club, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have given their time, energy and commitment to the club over the years. In particular, I would like to recognise Wendy Williams and Bethan Johnson, whose long-standing service and dedication have made a lasting contribution to Johnstown Football Club. Their hard work, often behind the scenes, has helped shape the club we are today, and we wish them every happiness and success for the future.

Continuing to Build Together

Whilst we are proud of what has been achieved, there is still much more to do. The committee has already identified a number of exciting priorities for the coming years. These include continuing to improve our facilities, expanding opportunities across both the male and female game, supporting coach development, strengthening our financial sustainability and ensuring every player enjoys a positive football experience regardless of age or ability.

Our ambition remains simple; to make Johnstown Football Club the very best community football club it can possibly be.

A Club Powered by Volunteers

No grassroots football club succeeds without volunteers. Every training session, matchday, fundraiser, committee meeting and community event happens because someone chooses to give up their time for others. Whether you coach a team, wash kits, organise fixtures, run the clubhouse, help at tournaments or simply volunteer for an hour here and there, you are making a difference.

As our club continues to grow, we are always looking to welcome new volunteers. Whatever your experience or availability, there is a place for you within our club, and I would encourage anyone interested in getting involved to speak with a committee member or contact us through our website.

Supporting Every Family

We recognise the financial pressures many families continue to face and we remain committed to keeping football as accessible and affordable as possible. Every membership fee, sponsorship agreement and fundraising initiative is reinvested directly back into the club, helping us provide quality coaching, facilities, equipment, league participation and opportunities for every player.

As we enter the time of year where membership fees are being asked for, should any player or family require support or wish to discuss payment arrangements confidentially, please do not hesitate to speak to a coach or contact us directly. We want everyone who wants to play football to have that opportunity.

Thank You

I would like to personally thank every coach, volunteer, committee member, parent, sponsor and supporter who contributes to Johnstown Football Club. Your commitment often goes unseen, but it is appreciated more than you know. Together, you create an environment where young people can develop not only as footballers but also as confident, respectful and resilient individuals.

I would also like to thank our players for representing the club with pride throughout the season. You are the reason we do what we do.

Looking Ahead

The future of Johnstown Football Club is incredibly exciting. As we move into another season, we continue to look ahead with ambition. Plans remain in development to improve our facilities, strengthen our long-term sustainability and celebrate the rich history of our club in our 30th year. We are also looking forward to announcing an exciting new club-wide kit partnership, which will provide a consistent identity across every section of the club while supporting our continued growth for years to come.

We are equally delighted to be launching our new 'Little Kickers' programme this season, providing Nursery and Reception-aged children with their very first introduction to football in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. The response from our community has been truly overwhelming, with the programme reaching full capacity within just 48 hours of launching and a waiting list already in place. It is a fantastic reflection of the continued growth of our club and the demand for opportunities for young players to begin their football journey with Johnstown Football Club.

Together, we will continue building a football club that our entire community can be proud of.

Diolch.

Ryan Evans
Chairman, Johnstown Football Club
JohnstownFCChairman@gmail.com