THE MAKING OF AFC. PORTH

“THE BLACK DRAGONS”  

AFC Porth are the latest in a number of sides to have represented the town of Porth, situated at the Junction of the Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach valleys, and a hot bed for the game of association football for 100 years. 

In the I 902-03 season, Porth, under that name, entered into the newly formed South Wales League, together with nine other teams, covering a wide geographical area for those days of difficult travelling conditions.

Porth failed to make any impact of note, but remained in the league till the end of the 1911-12 season. 

Following the First World War, the Welsh National League (Southern Section) was reformed with the Southern League also reforming with The creation of a second division consisting of Welsh Clubs. Most members of this new division competed in both leagues but strangely, Porth Athletic, a new club initially decided to compete in only the Southern League.

The following season 1920-21 the side decided to abandon their Southern League status and join the Welsh National League, where they remained for three seasons.

In 1933 another side, Porth United, were elected to the Welsh National League where they remained until resigning after season 1936-37.

Porth Welfare were formed following the Second World War, competing in the Welsh League, the Welfare’s demise ended with their extinction from the local leagues in the 1970s.  

During Porth Welfare’s time, a company team, Beatus United, was formed in 1950 by our late Secretary and President Mr Ray Hacker. 

Starting their life in the Rhondda League, Beatus were promoted to the South Wales Amateur League in 1964. 

A decision was made to change the name of Beatus United to the town name of AFC Porth in the season 1984-85. With rapid promotion from the South Wales Amateur League, and winning the Corinthian Cup, AFC Porth had a meteoric rise up the divisions of the Welsh League. 

With the formation of the League of Wales, AFC. Porth won the Division Two title in successive seasons.

To provide the club with a bigger marketing profile, AFC Porth was renamed AFC Rhondda in the 1996-97 season.

Finally the club reverted to its original name of AFC Porth for season 2004-05.