New signings for the Dragons

The Dragons are proud to announce that new Honorary Memberships’ have been awarded to four people this past weekend. These are awarded to those who have taken time out of their busy schedules to help spread the message of the Dragons.

Michelle Mone OBE was the first to be awarded this membership in 2011 and now has company in the form of Apprentice Finalist and motivational speaker Claire Young. Claire tweeted her surprise at becoming an Honorary Member together with an image of her new shirt.

On Saturday 31st August, the Dragons founders were invited to Upton Park, home of Premier League club West Ham United. We were to induct our next new honorary member pitch side before the Irons took on Fulham FC.

David Gold, Chairman of West Ham United was very happy in receiving his honorary membership in the form of a framed shirt, whilst a memento was presented to the Irons congratulating the team in achieving promotion to the Premier League this season.

Joining their father in becoming honorary members of the North Wales Dragons are Jaqueline and Vanessa Gold. We presented the shirts to Vanessa Gold in the Billy Bonds Lounge in which she spent several minutes thanking ourselves and the team in what we have set out to do.

We can’t thank West Ham enough for what was a truly memorable day for the Dragons.

Until next time
Gaz Roberts – Co-Founder – 5

Counting the funds

The North Wales Dragons are now counting the money that players and the various fundraisers have made over the last few months. As you may have read by now, the Dragons go out of their way to raise funds and awareness for a chosen charity each year. This years chosen charity is “Join The Fight”  Breast Cancer Research campaign.

The Dragons took it one step further this year by taking a road trip to the Worlds oldest football club, Sheffield FC to play in a four team tournament, against the hosts, Italians ASD Pro Appio and the Ayrshire Outsiders. We were to meet the Outsiders again a month later in Scotland, which was followed by a race night with funds being split between the teams chosen charities.

We will be releasing the grand total shortly through the various social media sites, so be sure to keep a close eye on

https://www.facebook.com/nwdragons

https://twitter.com/nwalesdragons

Until next time
Gaz Roberts – Co-Founder – 5

Dragons and social media

The use of social media for any person, club or business is now a must, the chances are that you have arrived at this little blog of ours via one of our links. It is through websites such as Twitter and Facebook that the Dragons name continues to grow.

On the 28th of July the Dragons set about making one last rallying call to raise awareness about Breast Cancer ( Their chosen Charity for 2012 ) before the end of the Olympics on August 12th. Turning our Twitter page pink we encouraged many people to do the same in our #Olympink promotion, we thank everyone who did this. While this was ongoing, Co – Founder Chris Roberts set himself a task of trying to get retweets off celebrity and sports personalities to get the Dragons message across 10 million twitter users.

We are very proud to say that this task proved highly succesful and we can not thank these people enough. The celebrities and personalities who retweeted are

Carol Decker – Lead singer of T’pau

Claire Bella – Fashion designer

Claudine Keane – Model, columnist and wife of LA Galaxy star Robbie Keane

David Greene – 400m hurdles World, European, Continental and Commonwealth medal winner

Dan Walker – BBC Football Focus presenter and a sports journalist

Gabby Logan – TV sports presenter for the BBC is daughter of former Wales International player and Manager Terry Yorath

Gary Barlow OBE – Singer, song writer and producer

Gok Wan – Fashion consultant author and television personality

Jinkksy Jewellery – Former Olympic rhythmic gymnast Debbie Georgiou is now a highly sought after  jewellery designer

Justice Williams MBE – Editor in Chief of City and Style

Kanya King MBE – Founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards

Kathy Ireland – Model, actress, designer and entrepreneur

Katie Price aka Jordan – media personality, author, glamour model, singer and businesswoman

Katy Livingston – World cup, World and European medal winning pentathlete

Kelly Sotherton – Olympic, World and European heptathlete

Kylie Minogue OBE – Multi award-winning singer, song writer and actress

Kym Marsh – An actress and former singer

Lee Dixon – Former pro footballer now a tv presenter

Elizabeth Hurley – Model and actress

Louise Mensch – MP and author

Melanie Schlanger – Two time Olympian and World championship

Melody Hossaini – Star of hit show The Apprentice, CEO of a multi award winning social enterprise

Michelle Mone OBE – Dragons honorary member, entrepeneur, model and founder of Ultimo

MOBO Awards – Music Of Black Origin awards

Natasha Hamilton – Singer, songwriter, dancer and stage actress

Oscar De La Hoya – Multi World title and Olympic gold medalist boxer

Robbie Savage – Former professional footballer turned tv pundit

Amy Williams MBE – Olympic, World and European medalist in skeleton racing

Smurfie Syco – Executive producer signed to Dizzee Rascsals label

Sophie Habibis – Singer and songwriter

Tony Fernandes – CEO of AirAsia, Founder of Tune Group, Principal of Caterham F1 Team, Chairman of QPR  and Entrepreneur

William Regal – Professional Wrestler and entertainer for the WWE

If you would like to, you can follow the Dragons on Twitter and on Facebook by clicking the links below.

https://www.facebook.com/nwdragons

https://twitter.com/nwalesdragons

Until next time
Gaz Roberts – Co-Founder – 5

Celtic Challenge Trophy 2012

The North Wales Dragons are back on home soil after travelling to Scotland to visit our friends the Ayrshire Outsiders. Our team had taken a few last minute twists and turns in the run up to this match, with the loss of a few key players through injuries and work commitments. Thankfully new players, Lewis Worthing, Medwyn Lewis and Mike Ellis were all added to boost the squad.

The first of our visits to the Outsiders home for the Celtic Challenge Trophy took place on June 16th, travelling up in the early hours of the morning on a very cold and wet day, the Dragons were in high spirits. Arriving at the local college athletics arena an hour or so before kick off, the players began to exercise their muscles with a pre match warm up. The team was brought into the changing rooms for the pre match talk taken by manager Chris Roberts. Captain Phil Jackson then gave a speech on what we were here for, yes it was for a game of football, yes it was for a trophy, but most importantly, it was to raise funds and awareness for “Join the fight” Breast Cancer Research. The rain had eased off as we took to the field, kicking off we were quick on the attack with Josh Daniels and Mark Williams proving a tricky strike force to deal with. The team were looking strong but the Outsiders soon saw an opening and broke out an attack and netted their first of what was to become 8 goals.

The Dragons battled on through the onslaught, playing some great football as we were getting closer in the second half. Outsiders Talisman Shaun Gilbert was on fine form as he continued to net the goals, until a straight red was shown to him. The Dragons used this to their advantage and were soon making their way closer and closer to the goal. Mark Williams was brought down in the penalty box in the last few minutes of the match, but failed to net the goal after a brilliant save from keeper Matthew McClymont. The final whistle blew on what was a great match to watch. The Dragons players can hold their heads high, as we played some of the best football, and were very unlucky not to net a few.

Thank you for taking the time to read this match report. If you liked this write up and would like to know more about the Dragons, please visit www.northwalesdragons.com

Until next time
Gaz Roberts – Co-Founder – 5

Life Membership Awarded

The Dragons are very pleased to announce that a new Life Membership has been awarded. Chris James team principal of British Touring Car Championship Team ES Racing was made a life member last weekend as he raced at Oulton Park raceway. An honorary member of the Dragons already, Chris was presented with his replica shirt, then we took him by surprise by making him a life member of the North Wales Dragons.

Chris James kindly let us put our team logo on his racing car throughout the 2011 season. Allowing the Dragons to be advertised in front of the huge crowds that flock to these events plus the millions of viewers on ITVs coverage on television and on the web. We can’t thank Chris enough for his help in spreading the North Wales Dragons name through out the 2011 season and he has kindly announced that he will carry the Dragons logo again for the rest of this season

Until next time

North Wales Dragons Co – Founder

Gaz Roberts – 5

Life Membership awarded

The Dragons are very pleased to announce that a new Life Membership has been awarded. Lee Walshaw, Club and community manager of the Worlds first football club  Sheffield FC was awarded membership for all of his help and hard work that has gone into organising teams and events over the last two years.

An instrumental part behind Boots For Africa along with fellow Life Member Richard Tims, he has been a key to allowing the Dragons to take their first steps into the World of football and fundraising.

The award was presented to Lee shortly after the end of the latest Anglo-Celtic Shield tournament, which took place on May 12th at the home of the Worlds first football club, Sheffield FC. Please click here for a full match report on the event.

Until next time

North Wales Dragons Co – Founder

Gaz Roberts – 5

Anglo Celtic Shield 2012 – Match reports

Welcome to a new blog by your Dragons.

We have just come back off our first stop on the Dragons tour. We may not have won the tournament, but the players can hold their heads high as results did not match the quality that was displayed.

Match 1 – Sheffield FC v ASD Pro Appio – Sheffield FC were first on to the field to face Italian side ASD Pro Appio while the Dragons and Outsiders changed and warmed up in the backrooms. The fans and staff side of Sheffield FC were first to feel the wrath of the Italians as a quick goal in the opening few minutes was just a taste of what was to come. The Appio pro squad were to quick for the worlds first club and the match ended 4 – 0 to ASD Pro Appio.

Match 2 – North Wales Dragons v Ayrshire Outsiders – The Dragons are no strangers to the Outsiders, we have met  before on four separate occasions, and are soon to be meeting them again on June 16th for the Celtic Challenge Trophy. The match was a close contest, the Outsiders scoring past the Dragons by aid of a penalty, and new recruit Josh Daniels opened his account equalizing for the dragons just a few minutes after. The Dragons were unlucky not to get a penalty when Leigh Ward was fouled in the box, but the ref waved it off and the match finished shortly after at 1 – 1.

Match 3 – Shefield FC v Ayrshire Outsiders – The 11 man squad of the Outsiders had no time to rest as the hosts were next. Sheffield FC started brightly with a few attempts at goal but soon fell victim to the Outsiders attacks. A hatrick by Shaun Gilbert and a curling free kick by Ryan Gilbert saw the Outsiders victorious with a 4 – 0 win.

Match 4 – North Wales Dragons v ASD Pro Appio – The Dragons made a few changes to the squad to face the Italians, a more defensive line was needed to keep the very attack minded Pro Appio quiet. The Dragons were doing well until the Italians found a gap and were soon 1 – 0 up and shortly 2 – 0 after a scramble on the line. The Dragons number 11, Steven Roberts was to net the only goal against Pro Appio as he found space at the back post. A serious injury was picked up in this match for the Dragons as Dave Gates landed awkwardly after a clearance and broke his collarbone. We wish to thank all of the staff at Sheffield FC, the physio and paramedics at both Chesterfield and Glan Clwyd Hospital for all of their help in getting Dave back onto the road of recovery.

Match 5 – Ayrshire Outsiders v ASD Pro Appio – The match started off defensively for both teams with little chances of attack. Powerful bursts forward by the Italians were dealt with ease by the Outsiders as the squad stood strong. Tiring legs saw the match end with a closely contested 0 – 0.

Match 6 – North Wales Dragons v Sheffield FC – The last time the Dragons met the match ended in a draw, unfortunately the home team were to become victors in what was a very close contest. The Dragons were coming on strong but a quick break from Sheffield saw them go 1 ahead and soon afterwards a player was deemed to be brought down in the box. The ball placed strongly into the net the Oldest Club in the World forgot all about attack and went into defense mode. The opposition was bombarded with shots but it was not to be as the match finished 2 – 0 to Sheffield.

Thank you once again to Sheffield FC who were brilliant hosts, along with the staff at the Coach and Horses Pub. To ASD Pro Appio and their traveling fans, a brilliant team who we can’t wait to play again. To the Ayrshire Outsiders who are always a great bunch of lads to play against, we shall see you in a months time, and finally thankyou to all of the people who came to the event and donated to the charities we play for.

Until next time

North Wales Dragons Co – Founder

Gaz Roberts – 5

Sheffield here we come

Well we are finally here. The Dragons will be hitting the road tomorrow as they travel to the Worlds Oldest Football Club, Sheffield FC, to take part in a four team tournament for the Anglo Celtic Shield. The Dragons will be raising money for “Join the fight” Breast Cancer Research as we take on Sheffield FC ( Staff and fans XI ), the Ayrshire Outsiders and ASD Pro Appio ( Staff and fans XI ) .

The Dragons have been on the road before, but these have been “friendly” matches with a great team called Total Tranmere. We have never travelled this far for a match, and we will be going even further on June 16th when we travel to Scotland to take on the Ayrshire Outsider at their home ground.

We are all looking forward to what should be a great event, so if you are looking for your Saturday fix of football, please come to the event and support the various charities that will benefit from the day.

None of our players are paid to play and all money for charity is raised through player sponsorship and events. If you would like to donate to our fundraising efforts, you can do so here. Thank you in advance as even a little can go a long way.

Until next time

North Wales Dragons Co – Founder

Gaz Roberts – 5

Training, matches and sponsors

Hello everyone and welcome to another blog by your North Wales Dragons.

We have recently had a two-week break due to Under 20’s Six Nations in the local Parc Eirias stadium, but we are now back in training, and we are all looking forward to crossing the border into England and Scotland in the coming months as we continue to raise money for “Join The Fight” Breast Cancer Research.

Before we head out on our mini tour this year, we visited the City of St Asaph on the 15th of April to take on the Glannau Vets at Ysgol Glan Clwyd pitch. Our first match of this year was a chance for our team to try out our new squad members and formations. You can read a full match report here

We just have four players left to choose from if you wish to sponsor a player this year. Just a one off payment of £20.00 will get you advertising in the Ayrshire Outsiders v North Wales Dragons program, also advertising on our hit website www.northwalesdragons.com until January 1st 2013.

7 – Dave Owen

20 – Mike Ellis

4 – Josh Daniels

and North Wales Dragons member Chris James in shirt 78

The money raised through this goes directly to “Join the fight” Breast Cancer Research, if you would like to sponsor a player, simply comment on this blog, email the team, get in touch through Facebook or message us on Twitter.

Here are the latest companies who have shown their support for what we do.

Q Marketing & PR are sponsoring the Dragons Co Founder, number 19 – Chris Roberts.

Energy Shopper are sponsoring the Dragons number 6 – Alan Daniels.

Mike’s Aquatics are sponsoring the Dragons number 16 –Jodey Brown-Williams.

Kit 2 Craft are sponsoring the Dragons number 8 – Andy Owens.

Until next time

North Wales Dragons Co – Founder

Gaz Roberts – 5

Outperform sponsor the Dragons

The North Wales Dragons are delighted to announce that Outperform Services have kindly sponsored the teams’ new tracksuits for 2012. The Dragons gave Managing Director Dawn Roberts the first glimpse of the tracksuits before the official unveiling and as you can see, instantly checked them out for fashionability and co-ordination with accompanying jewellery.

Dawn commented ” The tracksuits look amazing and Outperform are thrilled to be supporting the great work the North Wales Dragons do. “

The Dragons will be wearing the tracksuits that show Outperform Services logos on the sleeves as they go on our tour to Sheffield and Scotland raising funds and awareness for Cancer UK’s “Join The Fight” against breast cancer.

Until next time

North Wales Dragons Co – Founder

Gaz Roberts – 5