Welcome back to another instalment of our 'Getting to Know' series, in which we take a closer look at some of our lesser known sides, and find out a little more about them.
Previously, we have been working our way around the English non league system, however, this time we're moving into Wales, and to a club I'm ashamed to say, I knew nothing of a few weeks ago, but that's the point of these articles, right?
So, who will be our first Welsh club? Allow me do introduce Giants Grave FC. Currently members of the West Welsh Premier League, 'the Grave' have started the season quite well, winning their opening fixture against CK Swiss Valley, before suffering their first defeat on Tuesday night at the hands of Rockspur Fords.
However, as I mentioned earlier, my knowledge of the club prior this season is non existent, but I was lucky enough to speak to an expert, Nicky, a member of the club's committee for both junior and senior section and someone who has also taken up the role of starting the clubs social media platform, starting this season, something that they have been missing for many years. Here's what Nicky had to say....
Hi Nicky, many thanks for sparing us some time and talking with us. Giants Grave is a club that I sadly know very little about. Please can you tell me a little of the history, how and when the club was formed, and let us know of any honours and competition successes you've had over the years?
"Giants Grave has been an operational club for children for many years. The senior section was set up in the early 70's but the junior section was running long before this. Over the years we have achieved many league titles in both junior and senior football. Our senior team have reached the final of the West Wales Cup and most recent being last season, our U15's made it to the final of the same cup but unfortunately came runners up. This is a cup that we still chase and hopefully this year will be our year. We have also had many players selected for The Boys Club Of Wales, two of which were selected to play just two weeks ago and you can find the details of this on our twitter page.
Please tell us a little of what your club has to offer for grassroots football, how many teams you operate, and the importance of the connection with the local community.
"We currently have a creche team (just in full time school) and all ages up to and including U16's. We also have a youth squad and 2 senior teams. Around 95% of our players are all from our local community of Briton Ferry and Neath, so the club is a massive part of the community. We do everything we can to help out with all aspects of our community and if we can provide something to keep a child interested in sport and offer the 'safe Place' then we do."
For anyone that hasn't visited the club before, what kind of facilities do Giants Grave have to offer?
"We currently run 2 buildings "The Barn" and "The Boys Club" and we also maintain and run 2 pitches. The barn is used for winter indoor training and also has a gym which is used by all members of the club and the community. The Boys club is used for addition space and changing rooms. this is also used by other charities, baby and toddler groups, and also the local school for extra space for concerts, discos and parent groups. The pitches we have are maintained by 1 man on the committee, Ian, who the same as everyone on the committee, gives up countless hours every week to keep the club active and be able to offer as much as possible to each and every member."
What are the goals and aspirations of the club, both this season and further into the future?
"Our goal would be to have the funds to construct a club house at the side of the pitch but most importantly, be able to continue support all our members and ensure grassroots football stays alive. Winning league titles, cups etc is great, but without the players being onboard and engaged with the club, none of those would be possible. We strive to make the players enjoy the game and stay with us each year."
You've started the season with a win and loss, with the win being an impressive away win over CK Swiss Valley, and the loss at the hands of Rockspur Fords. Tell us what you've got coming up?
"Our 1st senior team have another home game this coming Saturday against Dafen Welfare FC. Our reserves season doesn't kick off until later this month and our mini and junior section have their first league games in early September."
Thanks again Nicky, we really appreciate your time. Best of luck against Dafen Welfare at the weekend, and for the rest of the season.
So there you have it, we all now know a little bit more about Giants Grave FC. As just mentioned, the Grave are at home again on Saturday as they entertain Dafen Welfare with another home fixture on Tuesday night.
(all photography is this article belongs to Brian David (@Bridavid10)
We have more Welsh 'Getting to Know' articles coming out soon. Please keep an eye out for another edition very soon.
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