Aber Valley FC crowned Community Club of the Year

Half-time at the Cardiff City Stadium and Wales were leading 2-0 Belarus in their World Cup qualifying match.

Caerphilly-born Aaron Ramsey had already scored the first of his two goals of the match, but for Aber Valley FC committee member, Andrew Hart, and many others involved at the club, emotions were elsewhere.

Announced in front of 30,000 fans at the stadium during the half-time break, Aber Valley FC was named the Football Association of Wales’ Community Club of the Year.

“I was in complete shock. Ecstatic,” said Mr Hart.

“As one of the smallest clubs nominated for the award, I didn’t think we had a chance”.

The club was honoured with the award for its work supporting the community during the pandemic.

FAW Trust Chief Executive Caroline Spanton said: “Through a challenging time we have seen people continue to go over and above in their efforts to ensure football continues and this award recognises a great club who have made an outstanding contribution to their community.”

Inspired by the work of England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford, who has been a vocal campaigner against child hunger, the club set up a food bank to help those struggling to make ends meet.

Running every Saturday since November last year, the food bank put together over 700 food parcels, helping countless members of the nearby community.

A boot donation scheme has also been set up, where old unused football boots are donated to children in the Aber Valley.

First team coach, Dean Wood, described the award win as “massive for the club”.

But the club isn’t stopping here, launching its new ‘Gift a Child’ scheme.

The scheme allows members of the community to donate Christmas presents to those most in need. At the time of publishing, more than 50 people had signed up to the scheme. Mr Hart said it showed just “how much this community wants to help”.

In 2020, the club were crowned champions of the South Wales Alliance League Division One – gaining promotion to Wales’ fifth tier. This season, the club brushed shoulders with top-flight outfit Aberystwyth Town away from home in the Welsh Cup.

The club has also been in discussions with Caerphilly County Borough Council recently, as well as Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David, about upgrading their playing facilities in Abertridwr Park, which do not match the criteria needed to compete in the Welsh Football League – the league above where the side currently plays.

Dr David said: “I had the pleasure of meeting with some of the club’s volunteers recently and was really impressed by what they have achieved.

“They’ve put a great deal of effort into supporting residents in Abertridwr and surrounding areas, and have directly contributed to what is a real sense of community spirit during what have been very tough times.”