A FOOTBALL club in Rhyl officially opened its new 50-seater stand on Saturday (August 10), in memory of a “bright character with a heart of gold”.

NFA’s new stand is in memory of “local lad” Sam Thomas, who died at the age of 17.

His family were invited to the men's team’s first home game of the season against Conwy Borough FC, which NFA won 2-1.

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Rebekah Hansen, from NFA, said: “Sam's dad, Mel, gave over 30 years of service at Ffordd Derwen Fields, having led the PE department at both Blessed Edward Jones and Christ The Word Catholic School.

“Sam was a bright character with a heart of gold. His intelligence was incredible, and his loss to the community is devastating.

“Saturday was a special day, as we opened our new stand officially in the memory of Sam, which felt a fitting tribute from the club.

“It was a great day, as we welcomed Sam’s family and friends to the club to officially open the stand.”