Local lad Dylan Williams looks back at his formative days in football and gives his thoughts on 1876’s inaugural season. Interview by Aled Hughes and Sean Williams.

Williams recalls growing up in the local area around some of his current team-mates.

“Up until the age of 10 or so I lived in Maesgeirchen just like Shaun Lock and big Les. Although Les looks 10-15 years older, believe it or not there are only 2-3 years between us. I certainly remember him in Ysgol Glancegin, he was a unit even back then.”

As a youngster, the midfielder was a part of a number of academies which helped to shape him as a footballer.

“I was lucky enough to be scouted from the age of 10/11 I ended up playing for Wolves, Crewe Alexandra, and Wrexham, eventually getting a YT at Shrewsbury Town at 16. I have to thank my Mum, Dad, step dad, and the rest of my family for the amount of time, effort and support they gave me.”

Following on from his time in Salop, Williams received an interesting phone call that lead to an overseas opportunity.

“As my time at Shrewsbury was coming to an end I kind of knew I wasn’t going to be offered a professional contract, I received a phone call from a man with an American accent. At first and lads being lads, I 100% thought it was one of my team mates or mates at home pulling my leg, when in fact it was actually the manager of the Rio Grande soccer team.”

He looks back at his time in the US fondly.

“I can’t express this enough, if anybody has the opportunity to go to the US on a scholarship to play football (soccer), DO IT! My mum said to me, if you don’t like it you can come home and try clubs when you get back. I went out at the age of 18 alone, not knowing anybody and it is the best decision I have ever made, a fantastic experience.”

Williams has played for local clubs since returning to Wales before he was revealed as one of 1876’s first signings last summer as plans of putting together a team became a reality.

“I first heard about 1876 from a friend of mine and that Mel would be the manager. I have known Mel a while and he kindly invited me along to pre-season and I knew from the first 10 minutes I wanted to be part of this team. The professionalism, organisation and commitment from the get go was brilliant, I could see the determination and drive in all the coaches.”

There is a clear sense of pride that Williams is able to play his part in a big moment for football in his local area.

“There's something special about putting on the 1876 shirt which makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, you feel proud to wear the shirt. It’s surreal to have hundreds of fans cheering for you in Gwynedd League but I try remember the feeling I had growing up going to watch my local team play and that’s how those fans feel now, you want to play your heart out for them.”

One thing that fans may not be aware of is that the Locks aren’t the only pair of family members to have featured together for 1876. Dylan’s brother, Dion, featured in the club’s inaugural fixture last year when he came off the bench against FC United of Manchester.

“The first game was an amazing experience despite the scoreline. It was also nice for me personally to share this historic moment for 1876 with my brother. When Benn Lundstram scored our consolation goal, the supporters went mental. We were covered in alcohol, in amongst the fans and the joy on everyone’s face was priceless, I’ll never forget that.”

Williams finds himself as one of the more experienced members of a relatively young squad.

“It’s crazy to think I’m one of the oldest lads in the team and my body can definitely feel it at times. 100% I feel like I need to set an example for these lads and what a great bunch of young lads we have. It’s a big leap into men’s football and it can be very physical at times. Not only do you want to be role models but you also want to protect the young lads. One thing I will say for the young guns is that, with Johno, Les, Spice Boy Petrie and Iwan on board, as well as the quality standard of coaching, is to try and learn as much as possible, not to take it for granted but most of all, enjoy it.”

Williams has clear message for supporters.

“For the fans, thank you so much for your support, this is just the beginning for 1876.”