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 First 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 October 11, 2023 at The Racecourse Ground. Fondly named “Kilgetty Messi”, Liam's journey from grassroots to representing his country, makes Kilgetty extremely proud.
Kilgetty AFC has grown immensely over the 100 years, with almost 300 members, three senior men’s teams, four junior mixed teams, over 70 girls and 20 women registered, awarded FAW Trust Platinum Accreditation for the fourth year in a row.
This summer, the centenary has been celebrated with posters designed by Stepaside School pupils and marked with various events, including a Centenary Dinner with entertainment and Q & A session with Neville Southall, and the recent All Stars Match.
A village pubs visit has been planned for later in the year. In the meantime, to mark Fairtrade Fortnight, the Fair Trade in Football Campaign has organised a Centenary Fair Trade Cup, featuring Kilgetty Juniors and Girls v Stepaside School teams. Kilgetty AFC Centenary Fair Trade Cup will take place on September 24, weather permitting.
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.
