Kilgetty AFC Celebrate Centenary By Sharron Hardwick

Kilgetty AFC Celebrate Centenary By Sharron Hardwick

2024 marks 100 years since the inauguration of Kilgetty Football Club.  One of the oldest clubs in Pembrokeshire, Kilgetty AFC was formed by a small group of men from the village who had originally taken to playing Rugby shortly after the end of the 1st World War on Kilvelgy field, which is now Stepaside School Grounds.

For reasons unknown, this group of men turned their back on the oval ball and formed the village football club in 1924, with founding members: Harry Badham, Chairman; Wilfred Thomas, Treasurer; Dr Pennant, President and Commander Dick Morgans.

Mr. E. G. “Ted” Edwards, Bridge Stores, was one of the early players who later became Chairman at Kilgetty. Ted’s son, George, began his footballing career at Kilgetty AFC. One of Kilgetty’s most successful players, George went on to play for Swansea Town, Coventry City, Birmingham City and Cardiff City, earning twelve senior peacetime caps for Wales.

George never lost his passion for the club, of which he became President for many years, often travelling back from Birmingham to get a game for Kilgetty, whenever City didn’t have a fixture, something that would not be allowed in today’s football!

More recently Kilgetty AFC watch in awe as one of their own, Liam Cullen, 24, moves from strength to strength in his footballing achievements. Liam signed up as a Kilgetty Under 8s Player, also joining Swansea City Development Centre Under 9s, moving on to Swansea City Academy, gaining his Swansea Under 18s debut at 13. At 14 he made his Wales Youth debut, and Swansea City senior debut in 2018 in the EFL Cup. In March 2023 Liam was called up to the Wales Senior squad for the Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Croatia and Latvia, making his Wales international debut on 11th October 2023 at The Racecourse Ground. Fondly named "Kilgetty Messi" Liam's journey from grassroots to representing his country, makes Kilgetty extremely proud.

Kilgetty AFC have grown immensely over the 100 years, with almost 300 members, 3 senior men’s teams, 4 junior mixed teams, over 70 girl’s and 20 women registered, awarded FAW Trust Platinum Accreditation for the 4th year in a row.

Kilgetty Centenary Celebrations' Primary Sponsor is Folly Farm, with Gold Sponsor Cleddau Financial Services; Silver Sponsors RWE, Scaffold 2000, Port Of Milford Haven and Valero and Bronze Sponsors Puffin Cottage Holidays and Ascona Group.

Centenary events are as follows:

20th to 30th August: Stepaside School Kilgetty Centenary Posters displayed in the village shops.

25th August: Kilgetty AFC  Football Activities - Foot Golf, Skills and  Football Shy at Kilgetty Fete

29th August: First Kilgetty 3rds Home Match with Centenary Photos

31st August Centenary Dinner: Black-tie sit-down dinner in a marquee, Kingsmoor Sports Field, with entertainment. Q & A with Neville Southall. Tickets are available to purchase here https://form.jotform.com/KAFC/100 or at Kingsmoor Sports Club.

1st September Open Day with Centenary Display in Kingsmoor Sports Club, and a Centenary All Stars Match.

From 9th September, during Fairtrade Fortnight the Fair Trade In Football Campaign hopes to organise the Kilgetty Centenary Fair Trade Cup, with Kilgetty AFC v Stepaside School teams.

Further events are being planned – please see Kilgetty AFC Facebook Page for details: https://www.facebook.com/KilgettyAFC/