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EspañolAMMANFORD A.F.C.
'Ammanford AFC' currently play their football in Macron Welsh League Division 2. The club play at Rice Street, Betws, but due to current construction they now play their trade on the Recreation Ground, Ammanford.
In 1992 Ammanford Town AFC and Ammanford Athletic AFC also merged to form Ammanford AFC, now the only soccer club in the town, currently running three teams – in the Welsh League, Welsh League Reserve Division and the Carmarthenshire League, along with junior teams (see below). The club shares its games between the Rice Street ground in Betws, the home of the former Betws clubs, and the recreation ground in Ammanford, where the Ammanford clubs had previously played.
'Ammnanford AFC Juniors'
Formed in 1960, the Ammanford Juniors A.F.C. aims to provide the opportunity for youngsters between the ages of 8 and 16 to play association football. Ammanford Juniors is registered with the West Wales Football Association and affiliates to the Carmarthenshire Junior League. In the Carmarthenshire league it has teams in the U12,u13,U14,u15 and U16 divisions. They also have many mini football teams starting from u6's. Training is usually held at the recreation ground or ammanford astroturf on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
'Club history'
The club was founded sometime during 1945 and 1946, with its headquarters at the Coopers Hotel, when Mr Vic Grove donated the gift of a chicken for a raffle and from the revenue came the beginning of the club.
Association football had been played at Betws in the 1920s by Ammanford Thursdays, made up of shop assistants who were only available to play on Thursday afternoons when it was half day closing at the shops. They played their matches on Caemawr (a council housing estate was built on this field in 1947).
In the 1930s the Ammanford Corries, who were members of the Gwalia and Llanelli leagues, played on Betws Park. The first team and founders of the Betws Soccer club were known as the 'Betws Blackbirds'. The first president was Sam Roberts, Chairman: D.R. Davies, Secretary: Robert Freeman and Treasurer: Joel Williams. The Trustees were Joe Lewis and Ben Jacob. Crad Jones and Vic Edwards were also among the early administrators of the club.
In the early years the Betws Blackbirds were playing friendly matches, before joining the Ammanford and District league: they later joined the Carmarthenshre League. Matches were played on the present Rice Road ground, and their dressing rooms were in the old building at the rear of the Coopers Hotel. The Betws team had tremendous local support and the large crowds of followers turned out to watch every home game.
When the club joined the new Ammanford District League their opponents included Folland Rovers, Cathan Stars, Tycroes, Waterloo Wanderers, Pontardulais, Brynaman, Pontyberem, Penygroes and Tairgwaith. One of the most remarkable features of this period was that sufficient finance was obtained to purchase the playing field. It is to the committee of that time that full credit must be given for their wisodm and initiative in negotiating the purchase of the field. Later, the adjoining land, which was used as garden allotments, was purchased. Today it is the site of the clubhouse; the price paid for the ground was £750.
As the team continued to progress, in 1949 the need for a higher standard of football in the locality was put forward at a meeting of the Welsh league at Bridgend. The past performances of the disbanded Ammanford Corries, may have played a part in the election of the club to the Welsh League, where they played in division two (West). In 1952, the club reached the final of the West Wales Amateur Cup, narrowly losing to Atlas Sports, Fforestfach, 3-2 on the Vetch Field, Swansea.
With Mr. Danny Finch as their manager the club finished runners up to Llanelli in the season 1957-58. The following season was very successful: on beating rivals Carmarthen Town on Boxing Day before a huge crowd, Betws became league leaders which they held to become champions and win promotion to the first division. They also won the division two cup, beating the champions of division two (East), Tredomen, at Rice Road by 3 goals to 2, Betws goal scorers being Idris Lewis (2) and Billy Abramson.
The ladies supporters in their makeshift facilities in an old shed at the entrance to the ground provided refreshments at every home game. The dedication of the ladies supporters and their contribution to provide revenue and entertainment played a big part in the club finance. Along with the hard working committee members, there were many unmentioned helpers who all contributed in keeping the soccer flag flying. The club also provided a darts, tennis and cricket section.
On Saturday 22nd August 1959, the club played its opening fixture in the first division of the Welsh League at home before a packed ground against Cardiff City, whom they beat by 2 goals to 1. On this memorable day for the club, the Betws team was: Harrison, H. Williams, D. Jones, Lee, Scrine, Stead, Chennard, Lewis, T. Williams, Loftus and Abramson. Stead (penalty) and T. Williams being the scorers. By the end of the season, the club finished in the bottom half of the division and the following season being relegated.
Name Change
There were other teams playing in the league under the name of Betws. In order to avoid the confusion over identification of previous seasons, a request by the Welsh League in 1960 resulted in the club changing its name to Ammanford Town. Through the loyal support of their followers the club, having built a clubhouse in 1963, expanded in 1967 by building a stand, changing rooms and showers at a cost of £4,000.
In 1964, the club appointed Roy Saunders as their player manager, the former Liverpool and Swansea Town player. It was the time during his association with the club that proved its most successful. In season 1965-66 they became champions of division one, and the following two seasons became runners up of the Premier Division, to Cardiff City on both occasions.
Now it could be seen that 'the village beyond the river' was really amongst the giants of Welsh league football. Local players in the town team were Mike Lewis and Ioan Rees who have given valuable service, whilst goalkeeper Dai Davies went on to play for Swansea, Everton, Wrexham and Wales. In 1969, Roy Saunders left the club to take up a coaching appointment to Swansea Town. Upon the departure of Roy Saunders, Evan Powell took over as manager assisted by Myrddin Price as secretary.
in the 1980s, with growing recession and the decline in the club's fortunes with poor attendances, they did, for financial reasons, consider withdrawing from the Welsh League. However, the club were still members of the league at the end of the millennium having amalgamated with local Ammanford Athletic A.F.C. in 1992.
On the cup scene, the biggest day was in January 1991 when they played at home in the 4th round of the Welsh cup against Wrexham. In atrocious weather conditions, 'Town' put up a gutsy performance but lost 5-0 to their more experienced opponents.
Throughout the history of the soccer club there have been many faithful followers, but one character stands out – Harry the Ball Boy. Harry lived in Ffairfach and was not as young as his title suggests. He never missed a match and took his job seriously; the leather balls were kept in perfect condition. Harry would sit on the touchline guarding the balls with his life and heaven help anyone who tried to get his or her hands on a Betws ball.
Another well-known face was that of Ethel Danter. She served tea, Welsh cakes and sandwiches to the football players and followers through the decades and continued to do so in her old age aided by a Zimmer frame. She was so enthusiastic in her efforts to raise funds for the team, that no one ever received a free cup of tea. Whether they were sponsors, VIPs or members of the clergy, they paid for their teas like everyone else. Ethel was one of the founder ladies supporters along with Netta Jacob, Bonnie Jones, Ruby Spencer, Eileen Edwards, Eirlys Bowen, Alice Lewis, Edna Morgan and Nancy Cunningham.
During the 1998-99 season the club reached the quarterfinals of both the Welsh Cup and the Flocon Cup, securing a return to Division 1. In preparation for this return, joint team managers Neil Petherbridge and Wynne Jones assembled a team consisting mainly of local lads. They put into motion plans to develop the Rice Road facilities, bringing them up to modern day standards.
1964-65 Welsh League Division Two runner-up
1965-66 Welsh League Division One Champions
1966-67 Welsh League runner-up
1967-68 Welsh League runner-up
1983-84 Placed in Premier Division on league re-organisation (effectively relegated)
1988-89 Promoted to National Division
1991 Relegated to Division One
1991-92 Missed runner-up spot on goal difference
1992-93 Placed in Division One after re-organisation (effectively promoted)
1993 Ammanford town changed name
1996 Relegated to Division Two
1998-99 Promoted to Division One
2002 Relegated to Division Two
SEASON LEAGUE P W D L F A P POS
1977-78 WELSH-P 34 15 10 9 69 49 40 5/18
1978-79 WELSH-P 34 14 11 9 47 42 39 7/18
1979-80 WELSH-P 34 11 13 10 50 54 35 7/18
1980-81 WELSH-P 34 11 8 15 49 54 30 13/18
1981-82 WELSH-P 34 16 5 13 38 39 53 7/18
1982-83 WELSH-P 34 6 7 21 37 71 25 18/18
1983-84 WELSH-P 36 13 6 17 48 63 45 12/19
1984-85 WELSH-P 34 11 9 14 46 46 42 9/18
1985-86 WELSH-P 34 12 9 13 44 54 45 9/18
1986-87 WELSH-P 34 16 9 9 54 35 57 6/18
1987-88 WELSH-P 34 12 8 14 33 49 44 10/18
1988-89 WELSH-P 34 22 7 5 72 36 73 3/18
1989-90 WELSH-N 30 7 6 17 32 54 27 14/16
1990-91 WELSH-N 30 2 6 22 20 86 12 16/16
1991-92 WELSH-1 32 16 9 7 55 35 57 3/16
1992-93 WELSH-1 26 11 7 8 38 44 40 6/14
1993-94 WELSH-1 34 13 6 15 52 55 45 9/18
1994-95 WELSH-1 36 12 8 16 43 52 44 15/19
1995-96 WELSH-1 34 6 5 23 43 105 23 17/18
1996-97 WELSH-2 30 7 6 17 45 82 27 12/16
1997-98 WELSH-2 30 13 5 12 45 58 44 8/16
1998-99 WELSH-2 30 18 5 7 71 30 59 3/16
1999-00 WELSH-1 34 10 6 18 41 54 36 16/18
2000-01 WELSH-1 34 11 8 15 45 56 41 9/18
2001-02 WELSH-1 36 8 5 23 40 85 29 18/19
2002-03 WELSH-2 34 14 5 15 65 63 47 10/18
2003-04 WELSH-2 32 10 7 15 52 66 37 10/17
2004-05 WELSH-2 34 8 8 18 46 65 32 16/18
2005-06 WELSH-2 34 10 7 17 -17 37 12/18
Sadly during this period of time Ammanford afc is struggling with money issues, if anyone wishes to make a donation please call 01269595512 ask for Alan Jones
Ammanford Town have had a relatively successful season within all the teams. The 1st team came 6th in the Welsh League Division 2 and providing some shocks in the Cup competitions by beating Grange Harlequins and also just missing out in The Welsh Cup after losing in extra time to Newport YMCA. There are a number of young players coming through the ranks and playing for the first team. A vast majority of them have been playing in the 2nds and have recorded their best ever season in the Reserve Division West. By finishing 5th and beating the Afan Lido 8-1 and Port Talbot 6-1 it shows the potential of the club in the coming years.
| Contents |
| References |
References
In 1992 Ammanford Town AFC and Ammanford Athletic AFC also merged to form Ammanford AFC, now the only soccer club in the town, currently running three teams – in the Welsh League, Welsh League Reserve Division and the Carmarthenshire League, along with junior teams (see below). The club shares its games between the Rice Street ground in Betws, the home of the former Betws clubs, and the recreation ground in Ammanford, where the Ammanford clubs had previously played.
'Ammnanford AFC Juniors'
Formed in 1960, the Ammanford Juniors A.F.C. aims to provide the opportunity for youngsters between the ages of 8 and 16 to play association football. Ammanford Juniors is registered with the West Wales Football Association and affiliates to the Carmarthenshire Junior League. In the Carmarthenshire league it has teams in the U12,u13,U14,u15 and U16 divisions. They also have many mini football teams starting from u6's. Training is usually held at the recreation ground or ammanford astroturf on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
'Club history'
The club was founded sometime during 1945 and 1946, with its headquarters at the Coopers Hotel, when Mr Vic Grove donated the gift of a chicken for a raffle and from the revenue came the beginning of the club.
Association football had been played at Betws in the 1920s by Ammanford Thursdays, made up of shop assistants who were only available to play on Thursday afternoons when it was half day closing at the shops. They played their matches on Caemawr (a council housing estate was built on this field in 1947).
In the 1930s the Ammanford Corries, who were members of the Gwalia and Llanelli leagues, played on Betws Park. The first team and founders of the Betws Soccer club were known as the 'Betws Blackbirds'. The first president was Sam Roberts, Chairman: D.R. Davies, Secretary: Robert Freeman and Treasurer: Joel Williams. The Trustees were Joe Lewis and Ben Jacob. Crad Jones and Vic Edwards were also among the early administrators of the club.
In the early years the Betws Blackbirds were playing friendly matches, before joining the Ammanford and District league: they later joined the Carmarthenshre League. Matches were played on the present Rice Road ground, and their dressing rooms were in the old building at the rear of the Coopers Hotel. The Betws team had tremendous local support and the large crowds of followers turned out to watch every home game.
When the club joined the new Ammanford District League their opponents included Folland Rovers, Cathan Stars, Tycroes, Waterloo Wanderers, Pontardulais, Brynaman, Pontyberem, Penygroes and Tairgwaith. One of the most remarkable features of this period was that sufficient finance was obtained to purchase the playing field. It is to the committee of that time that full credit must be given for their wisodm and initiative in negotiating the purchase of the field. Later, the adjoining land, which was used as garden allotments, was purchased. Today it is the site of the clubhouse; the price paid for the ground was £750.
As the team continued to progress, in 1949 the need for a higher standard of football in the locality was put forward at a meeting of the Welsh league at Bridgend. The past performances of the disbanded Ammanford Corries, may have played a part in the election of the club to the Welsh League, where they played in division two (West). In 1952, the club reached the final of the West Wales Amateur Cup, narrowly losing to Atlas Sports, Fforestfach, 3-2 on the Vetch Field, Swansea.
With Mr. Danny Finch as their manager the club finished runners up to Llanelli in the season 1957-58. The following season was very successful: on beating rivals Carmarthen Town on Boxing Day before a huge crowd, Betws became league leaders which they held to become champions and win promotion to the first division. They also won the division two cup, beating the champions of division two (East), Tredomen, at Rice Road by 3 goals to 2, Betws goal scorers being Idris Lewis (2) and Billy Abramson.
The ladies supporters in their makeshift facilities in an old shed at the entrance to the ground provided refreshments at every home game. The dedication of the ladies supporters and their contribution to provide revenue and entertainment played a big part in the club finance. Along with the hard working committee members, there were many unmentioned helpers who all contributed in keeping the soccer flag flying. The club also provided a darts, tennis and cricket section.
On Saturday 22nd August 1959, the club played its opening fixture in the first division of the Welsh League at home before a packed ground against Cardiff City, whom they beat by 2 goals to 1. On this memorable day for the club, the Betws team was: Harrison, H. Williams, D. Jones, Lee, Scrine, Stead, Chennard, Lewis, T. Williams, Loftus and Abramson. Stead (penalty) and T. Williams being the scorers. By the end of the season, the club finished in the bottom half of the division and the following season being relegated.
Name Change
There were other teams playing in the league under the name of Betws. In order to avoid the confusion over identification of previous seasons, a request by the Welsh League in 1960 resulted in the club changing its name to Ammanford Town. Through the loyal support of their followers the club, having built a clubhouse in 1963, expanded in 1967 by building a stand, changing rooms and showers at a cost of £4,000.
In 1964, the club appointed Roy Saunders as their player manager, the former Liverpool and Swansea Town player. It was the time during his association with the club that proved its most successful. In season 1965-66 they became champions of division one, and the following two seasons became runners up of the Premier Division, to Cardiff City on both occasions.
Now it could be seen that 'the village beyond the river' was really amongst the giants of Welsh league football. Local players in the town team were Mike Lewis and Ioan Rees who have given valuable service, whilst goalkeeper Dai Davies went on to play for Swansea, Everton, Wrexham and Wales. In 1969, Roy Saunders left the club to take up a coaching appointment to Swansea Town. Upon the departure of Roy Saunders, Evan Powell took over as manager assisted by Myrddin Price as secretary.
in the 1980s, with growing recession and the decline in the club's fortunes with poor attendances, they did, for financial reasons, consider withdrawing from the Welsh League. However, the club were still members of the league at the end of the millennium having amalgamated with local Ammanford Athletic A.F.C. in 1992.
On the cup scene, the biggest day was in January 1991 when they played at home in the 4th round of the Welsh cup against Wrexham. In atrocious weather conditions, 'Town' put up a gutsy performance but lost 5-0 to their more experienced opponents.
Throughout the history of the soccer club there have been many faithful followers, but one character stands out – Harry the Ball Boy. Harry lived in Ffairfach and was not as young as his title suggests. He never missed a match and took his job seriously; the leather balls were kept in perfect condition. Harry would sit on the touchline guarding the balls with his life and heaven help anyone who tried to get his or her hands on a Betws ball.
Another well-known face was that of Ethel Danter. She served tea, Welsh cakes and sandwiches to the football players and followers through the decades and continued to do so in her old age aided by a Zimmer frame. She was so enthusiastic in her efforts to raise funds for the team, that no one ever received a free cup of tea. Whether they were sponsors, VIPs or members of the clergy, they paid for their teas like everyone else. Ethel was one of the founder ladies supporters along with Netta Jacob, Bonnie Jones, Ruby Spencer, Eileen Edwards, Eirlys Bowen, Alice Lewis, Edna Morgan and Nancy Cunningham.
During the 1998-99 season the club reached the quarterfinals of both the Welsh Cup and the Flocon Cup, securing a return to Division 1. In preparation for this return, joint team managers Neil Petherbridge and Wynne Jones assembled a team consisting mainly of local lads. They put into motion plans to develop the Rice Road facilities, bringing them up to modern day standards.
1964-65 Welsh League Division Two runner-up
1965-66 Welsh League Division One Champions
1966-67 Welsh League runner-up
1967-68 Welsh League runner-up
1983-84 Placed in Premier Division on league re-organisation (effectively relegated)
1988-89 Promoted to National Division
1991 Relegated to Division One
1991-92 Missed runner-up spot on goal difference
1992-93 Placed in Division One after re-organisation (effectively promoted)
1993 Ammanford town changed name
1996 Relegated to Division Two
1998-99 Promoted to Division One
2002 Relegated to Division Two
SEASON LEAGUE P W D L F A P POS
1977-78 WELSH-P 34 15 10 9 69 49 40 5/18
1978-79 WELSH-P 34 14 11 9 47 42 39 7/18
1979-80 WELSH-P 34 11 13 10 50 54 35 7/18
1980-81 WELSH-P 34 11 8 15 49 54 30 13/18
1981-82 WELSH-P 34 16 5 13 38 39 53 7/18
1982-83 WELSH-P 34 6 7 21 37 71 25 18/18
1983-84 WELSH-P 36 13 6 17 48 63 45 12/19
1984-85 WELSH-P 34 11 9 14 46 46 42 9/18
1985-86 WELSH-P 34 12 9 13 44 54 45 9/18
1986-87 WELSH-P 34 16 9 9 54 35 57 6/18
1987-88 WELSH-P 34 12 8 14 33 49 44 10/18
1988-89 WELSH-P 34 22 7 5 72 36 73 3/18
1989-90 WELSH-N 30 7 6 17 32 54 27 14/16
1990-91 WELSH-N 30 2 6 22 20 86 12 16/16
1991-92 WELSH-1 32 16 9 7 55 35 57 3/16
1992-93 WELSH-1 26 11 7 8 38 44 40 6/14
1993-94 WELSH-1 34 13 6 15 52 55 45 9/18
1994-95 WELSH-1 36 12 8 16 43 52 44 15/19
1995-96 WELSH-1 34 6 5 23 43 105 23 17/18
1996-97 WELSH-2 30 7 6 17 45 82 27 12/16
1997-98 WELSH-2 30 13 5 12 45 58 44 8/16
1998-99 WELSH-2 30 18 5 7 71 30 59 3/16
1999-00 WELSH-1 34 10 6 18 41 54 36 16/18
2000-01 WELSH-1 34 11 8 15 45 56 41 9/18
2001-02 WELSH-1 36 8 5 23 40 85 29 18/19
2002-03 WELSH-2 34 14 5 15 65 63 47 10/18
2003-04 WELSH-2 32 10 7 15 52 66 37 10/17
2004-05 WELSH-2 34 8 8 18 46 65 32 16/18
2005-06 WELSH-2 34 10 7 17 -17 37 12/18
Sadly during this period of time Ammanford afc is struggling with money issues, if anyone wishes to make a donation please call 01269595512 ask for Alan Jones
Ammanford Town have had a relatively successful season within all the teams. The 1st team came 6th in the Welsh League Division 2 and providing some shocks in the Cup competitions by beating Grange Harlequins and also just missing out in The Welsh Cup after losing in extra time to Newport YMCA. There are a number of young players coming through the ranks and playing for the first team. A vast majority of them have been playing in the 2nds and have recorded their best ever season in the Reserve Division West. By finishing 5th and beating the Afan Lido 8-1 and Port Talbot 6-1 it shows the potential of the club in the coming years.
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