A FORMER Rhyl FC star is set to embark on a gruelling challenge to assist a local youth football side.

Tony Davies, who signed on at the Educate Group Stadium in 2017 before a switch to Denbigh Town last summer, will be taking on the North West Tough Mudder in Malpas, Cheshire later this year to raise funds for Woolton Gilmour FC from the south Liverpool area.

The talented centre half, who recently signed for FAW Tier Two Northern Championship title hopefuls Flint Town United, has a son playing for the club and has enlisted the help of another parent, Mark Lach, who will also be doing the challenge.

A statement on their Just Giving page, read: “Kids football is a costly business. Each year fees increase with new expenses added all the time, from newly created council fees to training pitch hire spiralling.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult for parents to keep their children active with the costs involved.

“Football, in fact any sport, that gets kids outside and active should be free or at the very least subsidised. We know that won't happen any time soon.”

The duo hope to raise £1,200 to “ease the burden on parents” associated with the club, which was formed in 2016 and have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success in a relatively short space of time.

Davies is one of the most experienced defenders operating throughout the region and enjoyed a superb spell at JD Welsh Premier League side Bala Town before moving to the Lilywhites.

Anyone wishing to donate to the challenge can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/woolton-gilmour, with £245 raised towards their target so far.