When Albert Beale moved to Penclawdd from London in 1926, the one thing on his mind was to transform the hotbed of Rugby Football into a Association Football loving community as well.
It took Albert a number of years to establish a Football side in the village, but after his persistance the team were more than holding their own with the teams from Swansea.
With the growth of the club within a rugby area was heralded as an unbelievable achievement. The then Secretary of the league Mr Bryn Williams proclaimed that 'How he did it will always remain a mystery.'
After many years of notoriety as manager of Penclawdd AFC, he became a league Council Member in 1946, then a representative on the West Wales FA culminating with the role of Swansea Senior League Chairman 1960-62.
During the 50's many of the players played for Crofty Utd, which were to become a very successful team but as with time they drifted back to Penclawdd and Crofty unfortunately folded.
For many years Penclawdd played their games in a cow field behind Abercedi, but in the late 60's early 70's the old copperworks resevoir at Dan-y-Graig was drained and turned into a pitch with a purpose built changing rooms, all for the princely sum of £7500. The pitch and changing rooms are still in use today.
After Albert Beales days the mantle of the team was taken up ex players such as 'Boyo' James, Cecil Porter, Denzil Harries. Cecil even continued to play til he was 50 years old.
The club in recent years was more or less run on a shoestring with diminishing players and a lack of interest.
But now we see a club which is definitely on the rise, with a young 2nd team, youngish 1st team and for the first time a committee with a goal(To make Penclawdd a 1st Division Club at least)
In the many years that Penclawdd AFC have been in existence we have had Senior 1st Teams, Reserve teams and Junior Teams ranging through all the age groups, the one thing that seems to eminate from all the sides is Albert Beales thirst for Football within a Eggchasing community. |
