After years of yo-yoing through the South Wales League, This proud Rhondda club has a reason to celebrate.
After very nearly falling out of existence, Ynyshir Ablions will be playing in the Welsh League for the first time in their history.
Guiding them to their goal was manager Craig Wells, who in three spells, made over 200 appearances for the club.
Asked how to describe the club to a stranger, he replied: “I’ve never known a club like it.
“I know it sounds strange to people outside the club but it’s always had a way of getting into peoples’ blood. The club has never offered any financial incentives to any player but down the years it’s been able to attract and keep some quality players.
“Once they’ve been here their connection to the club never seems to leave them, even when they move on.”
Having been a custodian of the club on three occasions, first-team manager Wells knows full well what Ynyshir Albions means to the community.
He joined the club as a 17-year-old and spending six years with the club as the dream of Welsh League football began.
But as they missed out, he was able to achieve his ambitions, by featuring for AFC Porth and Cambrian over a 10-year spell.
But upon his return to the club, his third spell has proved to be the most successful.
Three promotions in four years since his return to The Oval have been the club grow.
“I am very proud to represent the club, it’s a unique club with unique people involved. To represent the club alongside these people is brilliant.”
“It’s a club built of the hard work, togetherness and commitment of people who have the club at heart.
“It’s got a committee of 11 people and all (bar one female member) have played for the club and are Ynyshir Albions through and through.”
So what does the future hold for Ynyshir Albions?
The club has plans to improve on their current facilities. Work will be done to their ground to get them up to standard in the Welsh League.
Having been with the club from a young age, Wells has firsthand seen how the club hss transformed.
The dark days of almost falling back into the Rhondda League in 2007, the possible folding of the club in 2014 after the initial groundworks had been done.
Those days can now be put to rest, allowing the Buns focus on the future, which looks brighter after the remarkable work of Craig Wells, who has galvanised the club, helping achieve its long-term goal.
“On the field, we are going to enjoy the season and try and give a good account of the club in the Welsh League.
“Off the field; the committee are working hard on pushing the club forward, improving both the structure and facilities of the club. The hope is that we can build something on and off the field that can be continued and enjoyed by the next generation.”
It all becomes real this Saturday for Ynyshir when they travel to Newport Stadium to face Newport City.
And their first game on home soil in the Welsh League? A local derby with AFC Porth.
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