POLITICIANS have hailed the positive impact on Rhyl of high profile football fixtures.

The summer of big match action in Rhyl continues this week when with a visit from Serbian team Partizan Belgrade and Connah’s Quay Nomads in Europa League action On Thursday, July 25.

The Connah's Team, return after playing Kilmarnock - who brought more than Scottish 1,000 fans with them- earlier in the month, while on Saturday 27 the Rhyl FC's Educate Group Stadium will also host Premier League 2 Champions Everton Under 23s.

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane said: "It was fantastic to see so many people come to the town for the match, with around 1,000 or so coming down from Scotland and it was thanks to the opportunities provided by Rhyl Football Club that this was possible.”

Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones agreed: "Rhyl Football Club have excellent facilities that are recognised as demonstrated by hosting games within the European football system. This is testament to the great band of volunteers and also plays a major role in the economy of our town. The motto of Rhyl FC ‘our town, our community, our team' certainly rings true. "

As well as playing hosts for European clashes, the team is also hoping to bring footballing glory back to Rhyl with their own success.

With Rhyl’s season set tostart next month, the 2008/09 Welsh Premier League winners will start life in the FA of Wales new Tier 2 league with the first aim being a return to the top flight.

Rhyl FC managing director Adam Roche said: "This time of year is hugely exciting at Rhyl Football Club, firstly having the facilities to be able to yet again host such prestigious European football games and secondly on Saturday having a men’s first team who can host Everton under 23s. "With the club’s history and future potential that I’m hoping to unlock both games are exactly what we should be about and more importantly playing a role in highlighting the future opportunity for our boys and girls who play in our academy and community football teams the potential footballing stage we can offer.”