A SCHOOL team for the best young football players across Conwy will be set up for the first time.

Conwy County Borough Council is set to launch the Conwy Schools Football Programme, which will draw players from schools across the county to compete in regional and national competitions.

It comes after football coaches campaigned for the establishment of the team as Conwy is the only local authority in Wales not to already have one.

Sam Rowlands, MS for North Wales and former leader of Conwy council, said: “I am absolutely delighted by this news as up until now Conwy was the only local authority in North Wales not to have a county wide school football team.

“It is something I have wanted to see in the county for a good while and it’s been great to see the initiative being supported by a group of local football coaches who have been campaigning for a team for some time.

“This news shows what can be achieved when councils work with local residents and those in the community. A big thank you is due to everyone involved.”

Cllr Louise Emery, deputy leader of Conwy County Borough Council and cabinet member for leisure, said: “I think it is a great move and I am looking forward to the programme starting and seeing our team playing against other counties. As councillors we are elected by our residents, and it is only right that we listen to what they have to say.

“I would also like to thank the local group of football coaches for supporting and pursuing this initiative.”