THE HISTORY OF BWLCH FOOTBALL CLUB
Bwlch Rangers A.F.C was founded in-between World war one and World war two in 1926. One of the clubs greatest achievements came in season 1947-1948, when the club won the prestigious West Wales Amateur Cup, defeating Goodre’graig Athletic from the Neath League. While the club also reached the Final the following season only to lose to Goodwick United.
Unfortunately the club folded in 1973, but reformed two years later (1975), under the exceptional guidance of Mr. Vernon Morgan, with the majority of players coming from his junior team, Trostre Road colts.
Since the club reformed in 1975, it became the first carmarthenshire league club to open its own clubhouse – unfortunately this proved more and more difficult as the years have gone by and sadly the club closed its doors in 1999. Great credit has to be given to so many people for the running of the club over the last 30 years.
The Bwlch Rangers badge is unique, because it was designed by a lady from the old Bwlch village, Mrs. Rhys-Enoch, whose regular attire was the welsh lady costume, hence the welsh lady badge. It is said she used to trip up the opposing team players with her walking stick, as they ran past her on the wing!!
During the 90’s, the club was managed by Gary Morris, for some 7 years, in which time the club became an established Premier division side, and also had ambitions of becoming a welsh league club. Gary stood down as manager in the summer of 1998, for Neil Rees to take over.
The club enjoyed its most successful season during his spell, becoming the first club to win the Treble during the 1999/2000 season, this in only his second season at the helm. In an exciting climax on the last day of the season where Bwlch faced Trostre at home. (Glandafen Park). Bwlch had to avoid defeat to lift the premier division for the 1st time, and with it the treble, running out eventual winners 4–0. The club also had a respectable run in the West Wales cup during the season, unfortunately being knocked out in the quarters to Goodwick. Neil left the club a year later to be involve with the management of former welsh league side Porth Tywen Suburbs.
Since the season of 1999/2000, the club has experienced many difficulties off the field, and this season (05/06) saw a total change of committee and management for both teams. The club again dug deep to create a smooth running club. With things starting to take shape in terms of organisation and discipline off the field, on the pitch the 1st team has maintained its position as a respectable premier division team, and continues to develop towards a bright future. With the appointment of ex Ammanford Player Gavin Morris as First Team Player/Manager and club coach, they have already recorded some memorable victories so far this season, most notably the 2-1 away win against local rivals Seaside. The 2nd team were relegated from the top division during the 2004/2005 season after many years, but continues to perform well in their push for promotion. The appointment of Keith Hurford and Steve Thomas as coaches. as seen them put in some very impressive performances so far this season to help them establish themselves as a top three side in their division, and now have to be one of the favourites for a quick return to the top flight
Roll of Honour
West Wales cup - Winners 1947/1948
R/up 1948/1949
Premier Division Champions 1999/2000
First Division Champions 1990/1991
Second Division Champions 1976/1977, 1981/1982, 1987/1988
Senior Cup winners 1999/2000
T.G.Davies Cup winners 1999/2000
Challenge Cup winners 1976/1977, 1977/1978, 1994/1995
Reserve Division 1 champions 2000/2001
Reserve Division 2 champions 1987/1988
Darch cup winners 1990/1991
Note, records date back to season 1966/67, and are correct up to start of season 2005/06
