Cefn Albion to return to the MUGA in Cefn Mawr

After three long years away, we’re proud and relieved to announce that Cefn Albion Football Club is returning home to the MUGA in Cefn Mawr.

The FAW Instance body has today awarded the club a Tier 3 Licence for the MUGA for the 2025/26 season, a huge milestone for our community. Thanks to a new agreement with Cefn Mawr Community Council and upgrades to the facility to meet Tier 3 requirements, the club will return to the village and compete in the Ardal Northern East League. We’re finally back where we belong, playing at the heart of our fantastic community. 💙🤍

A series of challenges and increasing operational difficulties at The Rock (Cefn Druids), all of which were completely beyond our control, led to the announcement in April 2022 that the agreement in place would be terminated with immediate effect. This forced the club out of Cefn Mawr, and since then, we’ve played all our ‘home’ fixtures at Clywedog Park in Wrexham, seven miles from the village we represent.

To be completely transparent, playing away from home for the past three years has impacted the club in many ways. From lower attendances to rising costs, the challenges have been considerable. Despite this, and aside from the current season, which has brought its own setbacks, the team has stayed competitive on the pitch, even coming close to promotion to the Cymru North only for a narrow extra-time defeat to Bangor 1876 in the 2023 Ardal North East playoff final.

The players, management, and volunteers who have kept the club going during this difficult period deserve enormous credit. Being away from the heart of the community we proudly represent has taken its toll not only on those inside the club, but also on our loyal sponsors and supporters throughout Cefn Mawr. But through sheer determination and a huge amount of work behind the scenes, we’re finally bringing the football club back home, back to where it all started.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our volunteers, the Cefn Community Council, and some fantastic partners, the ground has now been transformed to meet FAW Tier 3 standards. A key turning point came when our very own Tom Evans of T&K Groundworks & Garden Transformations stepped in to complete the hardstanding work, removing a significant obstacle and helping drive the project over the line.

The upgrades to the facility have been extensive in order to meet the demanding Tier 3 requirements. The pitch has been extended in both length and width, and a brand new 100-seater stand now proudly sits behind the goal at the Tesco end. Access around the ground has also been vastly improved, with new dugouts installed, barriers adjusted, and extra showers added in the changing rooms. A dedicated, safe route for players has been created with the addition of new steps, while a newly constructed ambulance entrance ensures the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Work is continuing on additional improvements beyond what's required, as we look to further enhance the ground for players and supporters alike.

This transformation isn’t just a win for Cefn Albion, it’s a major step forward for the entire community. Local clubs and schools will also benefit from the upgraded facility, which is set to become a shared asset for the area. The MUGA will now serve as our permanent home and the central hub for football in Cefn Mawr, with its gates open to the very community it was built to support. At long last, we have a ground in the heart of our village that not only welcomes local sides, but also gives us a place we can all take pride in and proudly call home.

Environmental sustainability has been a key focus in the recent upgrades. To meet the required pitch dimensions, some trees along the railway side had to be removed, but in their place, a new mini forest has been planted behind the goal at the Coronation Street end. This new green space will be cared for by pupils from our local schools, giving the next generation a sense of ownership and pride in maintaining the ground and its surroundings. Eventually, flower beds will be added at the base of the iconic MUGA Bank, enhancing the look and feel of the ground and helping create a more welcoming and vibrant space for everyone who visits.

We extend our thanks to the Cefn Community Council, local councillors, Phil Vaughan (Chairman), Derek Wright (Vice Chairman), Trina Nicholls-Smith (Clerk), Andrew Ruscoe (Community Development Officer), Deio Jones (Coordinator) and Huw Parry (Groundsman), whose commitment and drive have been instrumental in making this a reality. We’re also incredibly grateful to Cadwyn Clwyd, the Levelling Up Fund, Jones Bros, T&K Groundworks & Garden Transformations, and the FAW Licensing Department for their invaluable support and guidance throughout the process. And a big shoutout also goes to Cefn Mawr School, Min y Ddol, and Cefn Mawr Rangers; your support is appreciated.

Cllr. Vice Chairman Derek Wright, who has been involved in the project from the very beginning, described Cefn Albion’s return to Plaskynaston as “a milestone that goes far beyond football”. For him, it represents pride, identity, and unity, reflecting the spirit and resilience of the community. He praised the hard work of everyone involved and expressed pride in what has been achieved to date. Having fought hard to help make this possible, he spoke of how much it means to the people of Cefn, both young and old. Beyond serving as a new home for Cefn Albion, Cllr Wright emphasised that "the upgraded facility is a valuable shared resource for other member clubs and local schools, offering a dedicated space for their sporting events". He also expressed hope that "this is only the beginning", and reaffirmed his commitment to working with all stakeholders to secure future funding and continue improving the site.

Chair Stewart Roberts, who has been the lead representative for Cefn Albion throughout the project, played a key role in bringing the club back home. Stew admitted he was “over the moon and quite emotional” to finally see Cefn Albion return to the village and community it proudly represents.

Reflecting on the past three years, he said: “Since the club’s progress was halted by one individual, we’ve faced incredibly challenging times, playing in exile. The fact that the club has survived is a true testament to the many people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes during that time.”

He added: “Today is a good news story for both Cefn Albion and our fantastic community. From the moment we were exiled, my one goal was to bring the club back home. Now we have the chance to reset and come back stronger. Who wouldn’t want to be part of what’s about to begin?”

Stew also praised and placed on record his thanks to those whose input, dedication, and support made this possible. While there were too many individuals to name, he offered particular appreciation to Cefn Council, its leaders, councillors, and staf for their continued backing, and to Brickfield Rangers and their Chairman, Paul Hoosen he said “Thank you, Paul, and everyone at Brickfield Rangers, for stepping up when others wouldn’t. Cefn Albion is forever grateful and indebted to you.”

He also paid tribute to the management, committee, and players, acknowledging the commitment they’ve shown in representing the badge with pride through difficult times. “You’ve travelled the length of the country to keep this club going. I take my hat off to you all and thank you sincerely.”

Looking ahead with pride and anticipation, Stew said, “Now imagine the MUGA for the Legends Fundraiser Game. Picture it for the high-profile friendlies. And just imagine the pride when the lads run out for that first league game….”

He closed with a final message of gratitude: “A huge thank you to the community for your patience while we found our way home, and to the committee, who have stood side by side with me to make this happen. Big things come to those who wait.”

As part of our drive to raise vital funds for key club and community initiatives, we recently announced the launch of the ‘Fuel the Future’ campaign, beginning with the Cefn Albion Football Fundraiser, taking place at The MUGA in Cefn Mawr on Saturday, 31 May.

The action kicks off at 13:30, featuring a team of ex-Cefn Albion Legends and local icons taking on a side made up of current first-team and reserve players, a fitting way to mark our long-awaited return home to Cefn Mawr. Hopefully, we see a strong turnout from the community to welcome us home!

Proceeds from the Football Fundraiser will help cover ground hire on the day, with all remaining funds going towards an important long-term goal: the purchase of a club and community minibus. This vehicle will not only support the football club's travel to away fixtures across North and Mid Wales in the Ardal North East League, but will also be made available to local schools, youth groups, and sports clubs, extending its impact far beyond football.

This Football Fundraiser also marks the start of a packed programme of pre-season friendlies throughout June and July, as we prepare to welcome some big clubs to the MUGA for what promise to be exciting and competitive fixtures.

Further information on matchday arrangements, including parking, access, and facilities, will be shared in due course. In the meantime, we please ask all visitors to respect the guidelines that will be in place and to be considerate of the local community around the MUGA. One thing we can promise already, you’ll be able to enjoy a proper cup of tea or coffee inside the ground, unlike our days at The Rock, where our secretary had to set up an urn in the car park!

It’s been a very long road, but the wait is nearly over. Cefn is calling. Albion is finally coming home.

Thank you for your patience and support!

#UPTHEALBION
#TOGETHER
#TAKEMEHOME
#CEFNERS