Druids and Gresford Athletic agree multi-year deal ground share at The Rock.
Cefn Druids and Gresford Athletic have agreed a multi-year deal that will see the two clubs ground share at The Rock.
The agreement, starting from March 2023, means that the Gresford Athletic First Team will leave Clappers Lane and play their home games at The Rock, sharing the ground with Cefn Druids. Gresford Athletic’s remaining First Team home games during the 2022/23 season will all be moved to The Rock and home games will continue to be played at The Rock from the 2023/24 season onwards.
The sensational move has been brought about because of the increasing restrictions within the JD Cymru Leagues and their drive to improve the standard of Welsh domestic football and facilities, which would soon result in Gresford Athletic’s difficulties in meeting the minimum criteria for JD Cymru North games to be played at Clappers Lane. The two clubs have now come together to share the facilities, with both clubs having ambitious plans for the future and the talent pool of the area.
Druids Chairman Des Williams said “Until I got involved with Druids, I was a Gresford supporter for years and attended a number of their games. When talks with a local team broke down in January and I heard of the new regulations and the impact it was having on Gresford, I reached out to Julian to see if we could help. I’m glad that we’ve reached an agreement and I’m sure it will prove to be a worthwhile ground sharing partnership that will benefit both clubs, staff, players and fans”.
Clappers Lane has been the home of Gresford Athletic for decades, which was shared with Gresford Cricket Club, and has hosted countless games over the years and the move is a big moment in the club’s history. The Rock, based in Rhosymedre, is one of the most impressive grounds in Welsh domestic football and has been Cefn Druids’ home since 2010.
Gresford Athletic’s first home game at The Rock will be against Prestatyn Town on Matchday 26 of the 2022/23 JD Cymru North on 04/03/2023, with kick off at 2:00pm.
