Under-13s football side celebrating ‘unprecedented’ unbeaten treble

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Gelligaer Football Club’s undefeated under-13s squad have celebrated an “unprecedented” treble-winning season.

Over the course of the season, the team won the Taff Ely and Rhymney Valley (TERV) U13’s league title, cup, and plate.

Coach Chris Walkley told Caerphilly Observer: “The lads have gone above and beyond, and probably exceeded our expectations.

“As well as delivering the league that we were really after, those two cup competitions were the cherry on top.

“From records that I’ve seen, that’s unprecedented at this under-13 age grade.”

Walkley recounted one of the team’s close calls, having gone to penalties in the cup semi-final.

“That was the first penalty shootout that we faced as a squad, both coaches and players,” he explained.

“It was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. The highs, the lows, the what ifs.

“They had shown a resilience and togetherness to get things over the line when things were not going all blue skies.”

But despite the team’s successes, Walkley is focused on the improvements needed for next season and the potential challenges his side could face as they move up an age category.

“There were nerves, so I think that is a target for us to work on next year,” he said.

“That was a big battle for us as coaches, just to make sure they channelled those nerves in the right way.

“Well be playing on bigger pitches with bigger goals, and against more physical players.”

Despite this, the team is keen to take on these challenges and achieve the same success next season.

Walkley added: “We’ll continue to demand as much as we can out of them.

“We’ll reach for those stars next year, and see where we can go.”