Cambrian United vs Penrhiwceiber Rangers

One cambrian 23.08.24

Cambrian United has it’s own clubhouse situated just 100 yards from the ground. We would like to welcome all visiting supporters to come and join us after the match.

The Lakside is open from 9am-5pm every weekday and until 8:30pm on Monday and can be used for private functions. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the club is open from 10am10:30pm.

For a home cooked meal, Sunday lunch, private function or any other catering requirements please contact: Amanda Newman (Manager) Tel: 01443 442748

matchday squads Morgan Davies tomos bodger Ollie Withers Josh Allen Jack Fox Daniel Spencer Kyle Jones Evan Griffiths Jay Woodford Lewis Ellis Liam Warman Lee Price Tim Parker Cole Baker Rhys Morgan Jacob Jones Finley Skiverton Keiron COLES Abdulrasheed Ibrahim Dion Facey Ioan Martin Efan Fletcher Thomas Hillman Danny Birch Calum Salter Jac Joseph

jacob ireland warren jones dean brown alex rees brandon hill harvey hughes brandon davies joe jenkins scott lewis owen orford jarrad welch dillan roberts dewi matthews jack thomas ian mcmenemy shane parry owen airey henry young

Team Manager- Liam WIlliams

Team Manager- Dean Brown

Coaches- Adrian Needs/Gareth Evans

Coaches- David Haggett/ Warren Jones

Chairman’s welcome Ceri jones

Good afternoon and welcome to the M&P for the latest instalment of our Cymru South season.

After a long and distinguished history under the name of C&CBGC, the club has started our new odyssey as Cambrian United. The rebrand is part of an exciting new chapter for the club that will underline its renewed commitment to becoming a powerhouse for community regeneration in RCT. All of our football divisions will rebrand in line with our new club name, with Cambrian United sitting under the Cambrian Village Trust as part of a new governance structure.

And you therefore join us today as rapidly evolving Cambrian United; the evolution that is happening here is very much on and off the football pitch with progression very much at the heart of our club.

On the pitch, Liam and his management team have had a busy summer rebuilding the playing squad with the revolving door spinning relentlessly. But the football leadership team have grasped the opportunity to reconstruct the squad to great effect; there is now a nice balance of youth with proven Tier 2 experience. Beyond the Mens squad, the Womens senior squad have been also busily preparing for their inaugural campaign in Tier 3 and have also strengthened with some proven talent and experience.

At the younger age groups, the Academy continues to flourish and during the summer we took our first steps into mini football for girls as part of our new ambitions to grow female football at the club. We are hugely grateful to RCTCBC and the Levelling Up Fund for the support in helping us launch our "Kickin Queens" initiative and this is just the first step in our bold ambitions to establish the club as a provider of girls football in RCT. We are hoping to launch our first ever U7/8s mini girls squad soon; so if you have a football mad daughter then please do get in touch with us.

Off the field, visitors will be able to see that the rebuilding process has also been very much in play. We have recently opened our pristine new 3G surface, and in due course the Club and the Cambrian Village Trust will be opening our new state of the art changing facilities (including female only facilities) and our new multi purpose gym.

These new developments are a testament to partnership working and collaboration and we must acknowledge the support of the FAW and the local authority for their investment in not only the bricks and mortar, but also their buy in to the future vision that we have as club as an anchor organisation for our community.

Enjoy today's a game and let's hope it will be another positive result for the club.

Match report

Guest editor: Callum Watts Last Friday, we drew with Afan Lido 0-0 in a frustrating game which we should've comfortably won. The performance from the boys was great, but that doesn't win you football matches as we lacked a clinical and cutting edge to put the game to bed, which ultimately cost us the 3 points on the night.

From the offset we dominated the possession; However, we couldn't put the ball in the back of the net which was the most important thing, as we had plenty of chances from Thomas Hillman which just went wide, Liam Warman which the keeper saved and Jacob Jones who showed great trickery and footwork to get past the Lido defenders, but couldn't score thanks to the credentials of Lido goalkeeper Ben Haines.

The only real chance Lido had was from a corner which directly struck the top of the bar late on in the second half.

The second half began, and we immediately put our foot on the gas again with more possession and control of the game.

Everything about our game was perfect, but we just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. There were even more chances with Liam Warman being denied by Ben Haines once again. The frustration was starting to build as we probed and probed for a goal, against a Lido side who were struggling to keep up with our intensity.

As we continued our dominance, Lido were getting frustrated which showed when Lido player Travis James was sent off in the 62nd minute of the match, due to a horrible challenge on Jacob Jones.

Our dominance continued, but the final third was not our friend on that day. The final whistle blew and on another day we could've had maybe 5 or 6, but it just wasn't to be.

Big shout-out to the defensive who kept their concentration throughout the 90 minutes.

Next Friday, we play Penrhiwceiber Rangers who will have plenty to prove with them being a newly promoted side.

Our History

Cambrian United is a football cub nestled in the heart of the Rhondda Valley in small village called Clydach Vale. Formed in 2001, we have grown exponentially since that time and have become arguably the biggest and best football cub in RCT. Within a decade we have had numerous successes including winning the Welsh League Division 1 title in 2011/2012, our highest accolade to date. Another huge milestone for the club happened within the decade also, with our Academy being formed in 2008 after the devolution of RCT Schools/Council Football. The Academy was set up with a sole purpose, to provide elite opportunities for young players within RCT. Starting with 1 team, the present day we have grown to 11 teams from u7 to u16s with the brand #CamArmy renowned within football circles all over Wales.

Since the Academy's inception, over 40 players have gone on to professional clubs in that time and over 20 players have since graduated and played senior football in the Welsh League for the club. Our model for player development is second to none and we are the only affiliated FAW Academy in RCT. Through our innovative thinking, we became the first club in RCT to have an artificial 3G pitch in 2013, which has helped propel our brand of football to new levels. We have also been loyal to our roots, keeping grassroots teams playing in the local leagues through our link with the ever-present Boys & Girls club.

Cambrian United was formed in 1965, taking its name from the local colliery. After success in the Rhondda & District League, the club was elected to the South Wales Corinthian League in 1972. They won the second division championship at the first attempt and followed up the following season by winning the Corinthian Cup with a 5-2 extra time victory over Cardiff Corries.

In season 1977-78 the side were runners up in the first division losing out on goal difference to near neighbours Ton and Gelli. In 1980, the club joined with the very successful Clydach Vale Boys and Girls Club seniors, but the merger was. spectacular failure and almost led to the club losing its Amateur League status after several poor seasons during the decade.

Our History The 1990's saw the rebuilding process begin and the second division title was won for the second time in 1992. in 1994, manager Neil Foulkes joined the club and celebrated by winning the Corinthian cup a season later. In 1996-97, the club had a terrific year winning the FAW Trophy by defeating Rhyl Detta 2-1 at Jenner Park and won a second successive Corinthian Cup beating Cardiff Civil Service 4-2. In addition, they were league runners up to Ely Rangers. There then followed a run of four more runners up spots in six years and another Corinthian Cup triumph, this time by 4-1 margin against Llantwit Fardre, before the Championship was finally won in 2004/5. In 2000, the club had re-merged with the Boys and Girls Club.

The club is also very active off the pitch working closely with the local Village Trust to develop facilities in the area, two full time soccer coaches are employed to work with local schools and major improvements have taken place at the ground. An all-weather, floodlit AstroTurf area has been built at a cost of £116,000 and a clubhouse facility opened in October 2005 after the club and the Trust successfully generated the £130,000 required. Floodlighting on the ground was completed at the start of August 2007. The Club entered the Welsh League for the first time in season 2005/06 and a very successful year ended with the Third Division Championship being won after close rivals West End had been deducted three Points. Season 2006/7 turned out to be even more memorable as promotion was gained to the top division of the Welsh League with second placed finish behind champions Garw, in addition the Youth side won the MacWhirter Cup defeating Pontardawe Town 5-2 in the final as well as finishing runners up in their division. In the 2007/8 season, the clubs first ever in Division One began with an incredible 5 straight wins and although the small squad could not sustain this long term, a creditable ninth place was achieved.

The club also embarked on a new venture, taking over and forming the new RCT UEFA Academy programme. This part of the club has gone from strength to strength over the past few seasons and the club now runs age groups from 7 through to 19 at elite level.

A major change also took place on the Management Committee in 2008, with former England Manager Terry Venables agreeing to become chairman of the cub. Terry was already Patron of the highly successful Cambrian Village Trust and has close links with Clydach Vale, where his mother was born. Last season after challenging for the title over the last few seasons Cambrian & Clydach became champions of the Welsh League for the first time in its history.

today’s opponents Penrhiwceiber Rangers, formerly Penrhiwceiber Welfare were formed in 1961 and have played all their football on their Glasbrook Field. Founder members were Billy Cooksley, Tony Jones and Chris Kerr. The club saw great advances through the nineties winning the South Wales Amateur League and Corinthian Cup in the 1991-92 season, with promotion to the Welsh Football League. In their first season in the Welsh League, Penrhiwceiber just missed out on promotion in 4th place on goal difference to Milford United, while also suffering heartbreak in the League Cup Final losing to Pembroke Borough at Coychurch Road in Bridgend. The following season, 1993-94, Penrhiwceiber won the Third Division title, winning 19 of their 26 league games to pip runners up Grange Harlequins by a point to win promotion to Division 2. This was followed by a second consecutive title, with the Division 2 Championship brought home, holding off rivals Risca United, with 17 wins in 26 league games.

The club’s first season in Division 1, led to a very creditable 7th place finish, however the following season Ceiber were relegated back to Division 2, but the stay was to be short lived. The club bounced back in 1998-99, winning the title with 21 wins in 30 league games. The club then had three seasons of consolidation in the Division 1, with 10th, 11th and 12th place finishes, before relegation again in 2002-03. The following three seasons saw mid table finishes, although the League Cup was won in 2006 with victory over Pontardawe Town, 2-1 at Afan Lido. However, Ceiber suffered further relegation in 2006-07 back to Division 3. However, the club instantly bounced back with a 3rd place finish in 2007-08 behind Pentwyn Dynamoes & Newcastle 4lyn.

today’s opponents In 2008-09 the club reached the League Cup for the third time but suffered heartbreak in losing to Afan Lido on penalties 6-5 after a 1-1 draw at Maesteg.

The club made no mistake in 2009-10 though in the league, with 21 wins in 34 league games to win the Division 2. The club suffered instant relegation though and after 5 seasons back in Division 2 suffered a further relegation in 2015-16. The club then missed out to Trefelin for one of just two promotion spots in 2018-19. However, with the league re structuring Ceiber won the very last Welsh League Division 2 title in 2019-20 on the points per game average after Division 3 became Division 2, with the formation of the Cymru South. Most of the success the club has achieved was under Steve Haggett, manager for over 25 years, who brought together a dedicated group of local talented footballers who formed the basis of many successful seasons.

Sadly,Steve has passed away, but his legacy lives on with daughter Danielle now Club Secretary. The club is now run by another dedicated group who have given the club numerous support over the years, including Jeff Dudley, Tony Kitto, Mike Barnard, Gwyn Jones, Stephanie Brown, Dilwyn Pritchard, Rob Morgan, Gareth Williams and still led by Billy Cooksley. The club is looking forward to taking part in the Ardal Southern League, with Dean Brown’s team in the South West Division. Dean has just led the club into Tier two football winning the Ardal South West League in season 2023/34 and very much looking forward to competing in the JD Cymru South.

Senior l. Warman

i. Martin

j. jones

T. Parker f. Skiverton

m. Davies

e. Griffiths

k.Coles

j. Allen

D. Facey

j. Fox

r. Morgan

Squad l. Price

A. Ibrahim

L. Ellis

d. Spencer

e. fletcher

k. jones

c. Baker

t. Hillman

d. birch

g. welsh

t. bodger

j. Woodford

Youth t. powell

l. johns

l. roberts

b. gill

c. williams

w. evans

r. evans

j. rees

m. riley

k. crossley a. cartwright o. withers

Squad j. joseph

j. salmon

j. pope

k. woodruff

Women’s team As we embark on our 60th season as a club, the 2023-24 campaign holds special significance: it marked the debut of our women’s team. Determined to make a swift impact, we signed nearly 30 women last season and achieved remarkable milestones. We reached the semi-finals of the SWFA Cup, narrowly losing to Cardiff City U19s on penalties, and advanced to the finals of the SWWGL Cup. Our efforts culminated in a promotion to Tier 3, missing out on the league title by goal difference.

Pre-season has just begun, and while we anticipate a challenging season ahead, our ambitions are even higher. We have retained most of our players and strengthened our squad with signings such as youngster Paige Richardson and Rebecca Struthers from Penybont, Ffion Cartwright and Terri Beddows from Cardiff City, the latter having international experience and Siân Rees and Sophie Whittle from Adran South teams. These additions bring composure and experience to our young team.

We are also excited to welcome coach Andrew Rowley, who brings extensive experience in both men's and women’s football. Andrew will support Team Manager Sophie Dando and Assistant Jody Pugh, and join our board as Head of Female Pathway. He will lead on developing a complete pathway for girls to progress to the senior team and fostering links with local schools. Our mini girls' football initiative is already thriving.

Our senior team is aiming for a top 3 finish and securing a Tier 2 license this season, aiming to make us the first Rhondda women’s team to achieve this and bring the highest level of women’s football to the Valley.

Women’s team The retention of players, new signings, and Andrew’s appointment have been positively influenced by ongoing facility developments. We look forward to utilizing our enhanced pitch and changing rooms, which include dedicated women’s facilities with individual cubicles.

These improvements address confidence and self-esteem issues that can lead to higher dropout rates in girls' and women’s football and are crucial for our Tier 2 license aspirations.

Last month our Senior team and our Walking Football Team - Cambrian Hot Steppers were joined by James Norris - JN Fitness. Our team suffered two ACL injuries last season.

ACL and knee injuries are disproportionately prevalent in women’s football. James joined us to discuss what additional steps our players can take in warm up to activate certain muscle groups and has invited our players to his studio to go through strength and conditioning exercises to help reduce the risk of knee injuries.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to ExtraScope, our women's team sponsor for this season. ExtraScope, a female-owned IT Services company based in Rhondda Cynon Taff, South Wales, shares our values of empowering women and recognizes the benefits of team sports. They provide IT support to schools and businesses across South Wales and offer competitive prices on hardware and software sales. As SSIAB accredited, Hikvision, and Paxton certified installers, ExtraScope delivers comprehensive proposals, installations, and maintenance/support services for your security and IT needs.

For more information, contact ExtraScope at 01443 606111 or info@extrascope.com.

We’d also like to thank CALGAR plumbing and heating who has sponsored our player, Toni Evans and Nick Forbes - WH Surfacing Equipment Ltd who has sponsored ALL of our remaining players! Yes, all! www.wh-surfacepreparation.co.uk We invite anyone interested in supporting the growth of our girls' and women’s section—whether through coaching, sponsorship, or cheering on the team—to contact us at femalepathways@cambrianunited.com

cambrian village trust Summer highlight so far; This gentleman hadn’t been on a bike for many years, so he jumped at the chance to hop back in a seat and have a ride around our beautiful lake. To see him smiling and hear him laughing through our 3 laps of the lake highlighted to me the power of our work within the community.

We run a variety of programmes here at CVT: -Musketeers Social Group, combating loneliness and helping people with dementia, once a week.

-Forkers Group, our army of volunteers who come together once a week to tend to our gardens’ needs; they seed, maintain and pick fruit and vegetables for sale in our Siop Y Llyn, and personal use.

-3 x Inspire Groups, educating adults with learning needs, giving them unique opportunities to broaden their experiences -Walking Football & Rugby, weekly sessions that bring all ages and abilities together, enabling them to still continue to play the sport of their choice, and have a social gathering afterwards at our Lakeside Cafe Bar. -Little Ducklings, Mini Explorers, Eco Warriors groups, working with 0-16 years old educating them about green energy and life skills.

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cambrian village trust

-Alternative Education, helping 11-16 year olds access vocational qualifications when mainstream education isn’t the right path for them.

-Football Camps, Multisport Camps on offer during all school parents/guardians with affordable quality provision for 5-16 year olds.

holidays

to

help

-Afterschool clubs to numerous local schools offering a range of sporting and outdoor activities

-Bank Holiday community days, we offer free activities such as canoeing, sports, arts and crafts, bushcraft and more.

-Alongside the above we also take ad-hoc bookings from council, schools, companies to run bespoke programmes to fit their needs.

-Lastly we now have a designated Community Engagement Officer who looks after our volunteers, this adds so much value to CVT and our volunteers undertake tasks such as running our shop, helping maintain grounds, helping out on football match day, etc.

Reflecting on all the above it brings home how much CVT brings to the community.

The employees we have are incredible, the volunteers we have are incredible and lastly we live in an incredible community.

This perfectly aligns with our aims to: #engage #participate #progress For more information please contact: info@cambrianvillagetrust.org

JD Cymru South

Hot steppers

Hot steppers

Hot steppers Cambrian United Hot steppers-Womens Walking Football Founder of the hot steppers Jo Davies first played walking football in 2020 aged 40, not playing football since she was 16 years old this instantly ignited her passion for playing football again.

Jo sent a text to a friends, neighbours and the school mums asking if they wanted to give football a go and the hot steppers journey began.

Set up in September 2021, Hot steppers are a women's walking football team. Encouraging of players, from complete beginners to those who have played previously - we are all abou fun, keeping fit, and enjoying football.

Walking Football is recognised by the Football Association of Wales as an inclusive small-side format of the game. Aimed at the over 40s, it offers the opportunity to maximise participation for all groups and to encourage sustained participation for players of all abilities.

Some members have joined to learn a new skill, play for fitness, continue their football journey from 11 a side to walking football. There is also an opportunity for players to play competitively too, the hot steppers have 2 teams participating in the Welsh women's walking football federation league.

The now Cambrian United Hot steppers are excited to be part of the Cambrian United family an start training at M & P Group 3G Every Monday 7-8pm from Monday 9th September 2024. If you are interested in playing walking football, having fun and meeting new friends we would love to hear from you.

For more information contact: jo@thehotsteppers.org https://www.facebook.com/groups/141065621468445 https://www.instagram.com/hotstepperswalkingfootball/