One of Pembrokeshire’s oldest football clubs is celebrating its centenary in style.

Kilgetty AFC was formed by a small group of men from the village who had originally taken to playing rugby shortly after the end of World War One on Kilvelgy field, which is now Stepaside School grounds.

For reasons unknown, this group of men turned their back on the oval ball and formed the village football club in 1924, with founding members Harry Badham, chairman; Wilfred Thomas, treasurer; Dr Pennant, president and Commander Dick Morgans.

Mr. E. G. ‘Ted’ Edwards, Bridge Stores, was one of the early players who later became chairman at Kilgetty.

George Edwards was the Kilgetty's George Edwards was capped 12 times for Wales. (Image: Kilgetty AFC) His son, George, began his footballing career at Kilgetty AFC and went on to play for Swansea Town, Coventry City, Birmingham City and Cardiff City, earning twelve senior peacetime caps for Wales and becoming Kilgetty AFC president.

More recently, Kilgetty AFC continues to watch in awe as one of its own, Liam Cullen, 24 – fondly known as ‘the Kilgetty Messi’ - moves from strength to strength in his footballing achievements.

Liam signed up as a Kilgetty Under 8s player, also joining Swansea City Development Centre Under 9s and moving on to Swansea City Academy.]#D

Debuts

He made his Swansea Under 18s debut at the age of 13, debuting for Wales Youth the following year then making his Swansea City senior debut in 2018 in the EFL Cup.

In March 2023, Liam was called up to the Wales senior squad for the Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Croatia and Latvia and made his Wales international debut on October 11, 2023. at The Racecourse Ground.

Kilgetty AFC's 1924 squad - complete with dog!Kilgetty AFC's 1924 squad - complete with dog! (Image: Kilgetty AFC)

Kilgetty AFC has grown immensely over the 100 years, with almost 300 members, three senior men’s teams and four junior mixed teams.

It has over 70 girls and 20 women registered and has been awarded FAW Trust Platinum Accreditation for the fourth year in a row.

Kilgetty AFC officers are pictured at the centenary dinner.Kilgetty AFC officers are pictured at the centenary dinner. (Image: Kilgetty AFC)

Kilgetty AFC’s centenary dinner took place on August 31 in a marquee at Kingsmoor Sports Club. Seventy guests attended the black tie event, where magician Luke Bingham entertained.

Chairman Lukas Gamble and president Allen Hurst shared past and present stories about the club and thanked sponsors and supporters. Special thanks were given to Kilgetty AFC’s current treasurer, Michael John, who joined the club as a 14-year old player, and has served the club for over 60 years.Kilgety AFC secretary Sharron Hardwick with the dinner's special guest, Neville Southall.Kilgety AFC secretary Sharron Hardwick with the dinner's special guest, Neville Southall. (Image: Kilgetty AFC)

The special guest was former Wales and Everton goalkeeper Neville Southall, who shared entertaining and moving memories in his question and answer session. The event concluded with live music.

The following day, memorabilia from the club's 100 years were displayed in the marquee, whilst a Kilgetty Centenary All Stars match took place on the pitch.

The Kilgetty Centenary All Stars.The Kilgetty Centenary All Stars. (Image: Kilgetty AFC)

On September 24, the club hosts the Kilgetty AFC Centenary Fair Trade Cup, where Kilgetty AFC teams will play fun matches.

Kilgetty Centenary celebrations' primary sponsor is Folly Farm, with Gold sponsor Cleddau Financial Services; Silver sponsors RWE, Scaffold 2000 and Valero and bronze Sponsors Puffin Cottage Holidays, the Port Of Milford Haven and the Ascona Group.