Brief History
31 Oct 2011

Caerwys FC  History

     Located in Flintshire on the border with Denbighshire, Caerwys F.C.  was formed at the turn of the century when they were known asCaerwysTown.  Unfortunately there are no records of that team apart from a team photo from1921.  It is believed they just played friendly matches until a team apparently joined the Halkyn Mountain League post-war.

     In more recent times a team was entered into the Llandyrnog & District Summer League in the late sixties which was originally organised in the 50’s for the farming community.  Success was achieved in 1971 and 72 when Caerwys won the League Championship and they boasted a very strong side.   They also won the Times Shield a knockout competition on three occasions in 1970, 89 & 1990.  Large crowds of up to 600 people turned out for those finals, something which is rarely seen at Caerwys these days.

     In 1983 a team was entered into Div 3 of the Clwyd League.  In those days, there were the likes of Wrexham and Chester Reserves in the Clwyd Premier Division.    After a steady rise through the divisions  the team had progressed through to the Clwyd Premier Division under the guidance of Manager Jack Phillips (who had also ran the club’s youth team for ten seasons) finishing runners up in 1999-2000 in the Premier Division,  Caerwys gained promotion to the Welsh Alliance League, where they remained for eight seasons.  The team enjoyed mediocre success but resigned in 2008 to concentrate on putting their financial resources into building a new pavilion, plus the added financial strain of running a team in the W.A.L.  For five years the club was sponsored by  Les Ward and his  Container business Securistore.

     In 1998 the club’s veterans over 40’s team managed by Chairman Steve Griffith and Dave Williams had triumphed in the National UMBRO knockout cup by defeating Bedfordshire based Sandy Albion at Rushden & Diamonds ground.  During that spell the club ran five teams at senior level.

     The first team had its best spell since promoted to the WA.L., in 2003-04 when they reached three major cup semi-finals including the Welsh Trophy and the North Wales Challenge Cup under the guidance of Russ Pierce and Mark Speakman and finished mid-table in the League.

     In 2006-07 season the first team was taken over by Richie Roberts who was assisted by Mark Speakman, The team finished with their best points tally in 10^th spot since joining the Welsh Alliance League, but Roberts a local farmer had to put his job first and called it a day.  The Reserves were managed by long serving player Matty Peters, who took over when the team dropped down to the Clwyd Premier.

     The Veterans team joined the Cheshire Vets League in 2005/06.  In their first season they clinched the Div 1 title gaining promotion to the Premier Division.  The Vets went on to lift the League Cup and also the Premier Division Title.  In 2009-10 the team changed their name coming under the umbrella of Flint Town Utd as all their matches are played there due to no Sunday facilities at Caerwys. 

     John Owens & Shaun Davies have been Joint Managers of the Llandyrnog & District Summer League team for the last few seasons and the team is totally reliant on players residing within the parish due to strict rules which forbid using outside players. 

     This season the club has decided against running a second team to concentrate on finishing the new pavilion.  Formed some 15 years ago, the reserves have only missed one previous season in 2009/10.  Despite having seventy odd players last season for both teams, the seconds really struggled to turn out a side with little commitment by so called players.  The lack of locals coming through is a worrying thing for the future of the club.  To try and resolve the problem, the club have started a junior section again for children aged 6 to 10 years.  Attendances are improving every week which is very encouraging when so much attention is being paid on children being computer bound.

     Caerwys FC are still seeking extra funding to get the showers and heating up and running before the winter creeps in.  Having already ploughed in £18,000 of club funds combined with grants of £30,000 and £2,500 from Flintshire County Council and Caerwys Town Council, the club is confident that the work can be completed in the near future.  A lot of man hours have been put in by a few volunteers to get to where they are now.  Boosted by 140 plus members in their Monthly 200 Club Draw, committee members have even trecked upSnowdonto raise extra funds.  Chairman Steve Griffith is confident that the showers and heating will be in before the New Year.

     The Club’s kit is sponsored by Shotblast Engineering Services based at Greenfield, who’s owner Roger Burgess sadly passed away on 20^th September, 2011.  The company have sponsored the club on and off over the last 25 years.