Marc Lloyd Williams, the Cymru Premier's all-time leading scorer, made a remarkable return to the football field at the age of 53. He marked his comeback with a goal for his hometown team Llanberis in an 8-0 victory over Amlwch Town during the first qualifying round of the Welsh Cup. This return to the pitch after 12 years of retirement was a nostalgic and inspiring moment for both Williams and the football community in Wales.
Williams' football journey and return
Williams began his football journey in Llanberis in the 1980s during his teenage years. He played for several clubs in the top-flight of Welsh football, with Bangor City being the most notable. His time at Bangor included multiple spells, and he earned significant success, such as winning the Welsh Cup and the Cymru Premier. Beyond Welsh football, Williams also played in the English Football League, representing teams like Stockport County, York City, and Halifax Town. His football career has left a lasting legacy in both the Welsh and broader football landscapes.
Williams' return to football began in a casual and heartfelt way. He decided to join Llanberis, the club where it all began for him, for pre-season training. His performance during this time impressed the team, and he was encouraged to sign on. Just five days before the Welsh Cup match, he participated in a friendly game, playing 60 to 70 minutes and feeling strong despite some stiffness afterward. Encouraged by his physical condition, he accepted the opportunity to play in the Welsh Cup match, scoring a goal that brought back cherished memories of his youth.
Williams described the emotional impact of playing for Llanberis again, stating, 'I never officially retired – I just wasn't selected by any squad.' His return was rooted in a deep connection to his roots, and he expressed pride in wearing the black and amber shirt of his hometown club. He also noted the age gap with some of his teammates, saying, 'I’m old enough to be a grandfather to two or three of them because they are in college.' The return to the club where he started his career was both nostalgic and fulfilling for Williams.
Fitness and future plans
Williams' ability to return to the field was largely due to his fitness level, which he attributes to his participation in the London Marathon in April. Training for the marathon kept him in shape, allowing him to handle the demands of football again. However, he acknowledged that returning to a sport involving twisting, turning, and quick acceleration has a different toll on the body compared to long-distance running. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to maintaining his fitness through running 10k races and half marathons.
While Williams narrowly missed out on qualifying for next year's London Marathon, he plans to try again in a few years. His running continues to be a part of his active lifestyle, and he has no immediate plans to stop playing football. He has already made a substitute appearance for Llanberis in a midweek league game at Cemaes Bay, showing his ongoing commitment to the sport. Williams expressed hope that his return to the game might inspire other older players to believe that they can still perform at a competitive level.
Outside of his return to playing, Williams remains actively involved in football through various roles. He serves as the head coach of the Welsh Schools team, offering his expertise and guidance to the next generation of football talent. Additionally, he provides commentary for BBC Wales and S4C, sharing his insights and passion for the game. Whether on the field or in front of the camera, Williams continues to contribute to Welsh football in meaningful ways, bridging the past and present of the sport in his home country.