The newly refurbshed 'Gloddfa Glai' playing fields in Talysarn were officially opened with a special football festival.

Wales women's manager Rhian Wilkinson and goalkeeper Olivia Clark were among those in attendance as Talysarn Celts celebrated its newly refurished ground at an event held on the day the Women's Euros squad was announced.

The event, organised by Cyngor Gwynedd's LleCHI LleNI project, was also aimed at recognising the historical connection between the quarrymen of the slate valleys and the game of football.

Hundreds of children from 12 local primary schools took part - with pupils from years 5 and 6 taking part in a five-a-side tournament.

In the run up to the event, every school had prepared information about an influential local figure with a connection to the slate industry - with their contributions on show in the clubhouse.

Children were also given the chance to commentate on the five-a-side matches with special workshops run by historian and commentator Mei Emrys.

Cyngor Gwynedd leader Nia Jeffreys: "The football festival has provided an opportunity for the young people from the quarrying communities that are part of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site to come together in one place for the first time, to celebrate their history in a unique way."

"It was great to be part of the day and to see everyone enjoying the football, the stories and the opportunity to commentate."

"One of the highlights of the afternoon was a visit by Rhian Wilkinson...who came by following her announcement of the Welsh Women's football squad on the summit of Yr Wyddfa earlier in the day."

Cllr Peter Thomas, who represents Llanllyfni, added: "This is a new chapter for the club, and a valuable asset to the area."

"It was good to mark the historic relationship between quarrymen and football as part of the celebrations, especially given that the original club was founded in 1922 by the owner of the Dorothea quarry."

"The UNESCO designation has sparked economic and social regeneration within our communities, and events like this not only bring joy to our young people, but also encourage them to take pride and ownership of their history." 

Talysarn Celts, who play in the North Wales Coast West League, received funding from both the Welsh Government and Cyngor Gwynedd for improvements to both the pitche and the club building.

Club chairman Alun Fôn Williams said: "Seeing this investment and official opening is the culmination of seven years of hard work by the club's volunteers, in collaboration with the Football Association of Wales, Cymru Football Foundation and Cyngor Gwynedd."

"Here, we have now two football pitches and a new building that is an investment to be enjoyed for years to come."