BALA Town’s Director of Football Colin Caton has confirmed that he will be one of the candidates taking part in this year’s upcoming UEFA Pro Licence course with the Welsh Football Trust.

After successfully passing his ‘A’ Licence in March 2015, Caton will now begin the 2016 Course on 10 April, to earn the highest football coaching qualification - under the leadership of Osian Roberts, who is the Wales Assistant Manager.

“I feel privileged and honoured to be accepted onto the Pro Licence course, and to have the opportunity to be rubbing shoulders with the greats of world football," said Caton.

"To work with Osian Roberts, who has played a major part in Wales’ qualification to the 2016 Euro Championship, it’s a great opportunity to gain the highest qualification in world football.”

Bala’s chief Executive Nigel Aykroyd said that everyone connected to the club was delighted by this news.

"Colin has been at the forefront of driving Bala Town forward since his initial appointment as manager some 13 years ago, and his drive and commitment have been instrumental in one of North Wales’ most historic footballing achievements," he said.

"We are delighted at this recognition of Colin’s progression to the very highest level of Technical Coaching qualification. We sincerely thank the FAW for their support in this successful application.”

Club Secretary Ruth Crump added: “Our huge congratulations go to Colin on getting onto the UEFA Pro Licence Course.

"It has been a long road, but I am delighted that Colin has achieved all his badges whilst at Bala Town, and through the Welsh Football Trust with the support of the Football Association of Wales. It just goes to show that dedication and hard work does pay off.-

Caton joined the club in the summer of 2003 and has now had a 529 match association with the club, leading the team in the Wrexham Area League, Cymru Alliance, Welsh Premier League and into the Europa League.

In his time at Maes Tegid the Lakesiders have had 292 wins, 85 draws and 153 losses with 1,067 goals scored and 670 goals conceded over the 13 seasons.

Andrew Howard, from the Football Association of Wales, said: "I am delighted that Colin Caton has been accepted on to the latest FAW Pro Licence course.

"The course has an excellent reputation throughout Europe and Colin will be amongst some other outstanding candidates at the FAW’s Dragon Park.

"It’s very rewarding for the FAW to see coaches like Colin progress his coach education from nothing, all the way through to the highest qualification available in Europe.

"For the domestic game in Wales, it’s imperative for our coaches to upskill in order for our clubs to progress technically and tactically, hopefully resulting in enhanced results in Europe."