Football stars teamed up with young fans to kick off the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Squad members from Wrexham FC turned up to the cultural festival to soak in the atmosphere, sign autographs, and have a kick-about with youngsters.
Wrexham FC right back Mark Carrington, 27, said: “It’s really good to be here, and we were more than happy to come down here and play our part in the community. There are a lot of young fans here and these are the people we need to attract to secure the future of the club.
“I didn’t know much about the Llangollen Eisteddfod before coming here but I definitely hope to come again.
“It would have been nice to have something like this at home when I was growing up. I’m enjoying it here. It’s bringing the local community here and bringing people here from all over the world.”
Young Wrexham FC fan James Halliwell, 10, from Black Lane C. P. School, in Pentre Broughton near Wrexham, loved meeting the players.
He said: “I’m really excited that the footballers are here because I’m a big foortball fan.”
Fellow school pal Alyn Jones, 11, added: “I’ve been meeting the players and getting lots of autographs. The Llangollen Eisteddfod is really good.”
Black Lane C. P. School teacher Mrs Claire Peters, said: “This is the school’s annual trip. We’ve just been to see a show and the children really want to see the players.”
Enid Law, chairman of music and staging, at the Llangollen Eisteddfod, is delighted that the players came to show their support.
She said: “It’s very exciting to have the team here at the Llangollen Eisteddfod. It’s great that they’ve come out into the community to show their support.
“I am a big Wrexham fan and am part of the supporters trust. It is very similar to the Llangollen Eisteddfod which is also run by the community. There are lots of young fans who have come here to see the players – they’re very excited.”
Wrexham FC manager Kevin Wilkin, who is originally from Cambridge, said:
“Enid invited us down and we’re delighted to come. We are very much a local club, and it’s very important to show that we’re part of the community.
The former Nuneaton coach added: “The supporters own the club and we are run by a trust.
“Coming to the Llangollen Eisteddfod is a brand new experience for me. I’m definitely enjoying seeing this Welsh culture.”
