Club History
Cefn Albion is a voluntary amateur football club based in the village of Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, North Wales. The club runs two senior teams that compete in the FAW Ardal Northern East (Tier 3) and the NEWFA Reserve League Division 2. Both sides were founder members of their respective divisions.
Formed in 2014, Cefn Albion is community led and volunteer run, providing a clear pathway for local players to represent their village at a respectable level. The club prioritises strong governance, player development, and reinvesting every pound back into football activities and facilities.
On the pitch, notable milestones include winning the FAW Trophy in the 2018/19 season and a sustained presence at Tier 3. After competing at The Rock and then operating in exile at Clywedog Park from 2022 to 2025, the club returned to its home in the village at the MUGA, which has been licensed for Tier 3.
The club has raised thousands of pounds for local causes and charities since it formed, something that it is proud of and continues to do today.
2014 | Cefn Albion was founded
Following the collapse of FC Cefn in 2012, the village of Cefn Mawr spent two seasons without a local senior side. In 2014, a small group of committed people, including Steve Lloyd Jones, Stephen Wacky Davies, Haydn Evans and Dean Morris, with the latter two still involved today, established Cefn Albion Football Club to restore that presence. Local people such as Billy Kempster, Mark Jones, Paul Vaughan, Dean Jones, Alan Davies, etc. joined the committee once the club was established. Tom Owens served as treasurer, with Nick Jones and Kev Griffiths taking on the responsibility of fundraising. Nick played a key role in establishing the Lucky Sixes and other competitions, which provided the club with a steady stream of income.
The brief was clear. Create a community-run club that the village could be proud of, and provide a pathway for talented local players to represent Cefn Mawr at a respectable level. The committee put strong governance in place, affiliated for competition, and based the team at the MUGA in the heart of the village, with the famous bank becoming the natural home for supporters. Recruitment focused on local players and staff, standards on discipline and work rate were set from day one, and the football identity centred on front-foot play and togetherness.
The result was a platform built for progress rather than a quick fix. A clear pathway from youth football into senior representation, a volunteer culture that reinvests every pound into the club, and a home ground inside the community it serves. The following season would show how quickly that foundation could turn into results.
2014/15 | Cefn Albion become a member of the North East Wales League
Established and represented by local people on and off the field, Cefn Albion began life in the Flintshire based North East Wales League, Tier 5 of Welsh football. With Stephen “Wacky” Davies and Stephen Lloyd Jones as managers, Paul Griffiths as club captain, and home games at the well-renowned MUGA in the heart of Cefn Mawr, the opening season could hardly have gone better.
Backed by the MUGA bank, Albion played front-foot football with quick combinations and relentless pressing, finishing as league champions after scoring 150 goals in 22 league fixtures. Across all competitions, we entered five and won four, a brilliant, near clean sweep that set the tone for the years ahead. The home kit that season was black and red, sponsored by Acrefair Kebab, and the record breaking shirt sits proudly on display in The Cefn Club to this day.
The only near miss came in the Clwyd Cup final. Despite a 9th minute Sean Jones penalty to make it 1-0, Albion were edged 2-1 by Aston Park Rangers at the home ground of Rhydymwyn. Rangers were our closest challengers that year, although we had beaten them in each of the four previous meetings. The only other defeat of the entire season came away to Connah’s Quay Tigers in the league. While the headlines focused on goals, the defensive record was equally strong with only 15 conceded in the league, reflecting a well organised and disciplined side.
It was a season of standout individual returns. Nicky Williams finished with 59 goals, closely followed by strike partner Oliver Davies on 53, a partnership that drove the team on and laid the foundation for future success. It was a record breaking season that introduced the Cefners onto the scene, and the club featured in the Grassroots North Wales article Greatest Stories.
Cefn Albion stats 2014/15
OVERALL: P 37 W 35 L 2 GF 237 GA 29
LEAGUE: P 22 W 21 D 0 L 1 GF 150 GA 15
PRESIDENT’S CUP: P 4 W 4 GF 32 GA 4
PREMIER CUP: P 4 W 4 GF 20 GA 2
HORACE WYNNE CUP: P 4 W 4 GF 25 GA 5
CLWYD CUP: P 3 W 2 L 1 GF 10 GA 3
2015/16 | Cefn Albion were promoted to the Welsh National League Division One
After a debut season that returned 35 wins from 37 in all competitions, Albion stepped up to the Wrexham Area Welsh National League Division One (Tier 4) with Stephen “Wacky” Davies and Stephen “Lloyd” Jones still in charge and the MUGA as its home. The target was simple. Build on momentum, keep the standards high, and prove that the first year was no one off. Proclean were unveiled as the club’s new main sponsor and requested a blue-branded home kit, the reason the team proudly plays in royal blue to this day.
The team settled quickly and maintained impressive consistency across the campaign. In front of a packed MUGA bank, Albion sealed back to back titles with a 6-1 win over Johnstown despite trailing 1-0. The goals came from captain Paul Griffiths (2), Oliver Davies, Alex Williams, Nicky Williams and Jordan Powell, a scoring spread that summed up a side full of threats. The club featured in the North Wales Live paper.
Once again, Albion scored freely, amassing 117 goals in 24 league games, almost five per match on average. The team also reached the League Cup final at Penycae’s Afoneitha Road, where a huge following from Cefn Mawr watched a tight contest decided by fine margins. Albion were eventually edged 3-2 by Llanuwchllyn, with goals from twin brothers Alex and Nathan Williams.
The title confirmed another promotion and set up a first season in the Welsh National League Premier Division the following year. The identity was clear. High tempo, goals from all areas, and a strong local core playing with pride for the village.
2016/17 | Promotion, reserves launched, and Premier Division Cup champions
After a third successive promotion, Cefn Albion stepped into the Welsh National League Premier Division (Tier 3), two steps below the top flight. The jump in standard was immediate. Several key players were recruited by higher ranked clubs, so consolidation became the first team objective while a renewed focus was placed on bringing through younger local talent. Home league fixtures remained at the MUGA, where the bank created a strong home atmosphere and helped the group adjust to the higher tempo and physical demands of Tier 3 football.
To support that pathway, the club launched Cefn Albion Reserves. Managed by Tyrone Foulkes, the side entered the Welsh National League Reserves and Colts division to give local 16 year olds and emerging players meaningful senior minutes. The reserves trained to a shared plan with the first team, and several of those youngsters earned call ups on merit as the season progressed. The new structure provided depth, competition for places, and a clear route from youth to senior football inside the village. They finished 2nd to bottom in their first season.
On the pitch, the first team achieved the target of survival with a 9th place finish and a set of consistent results, particularly at home.
The standout moment arrived on Friday 12 May 2017 at The Rock, where more than 500 supporters watched Albion lift the Premier Division Cup after a 4-2 win over much fancied FC Nomads. Alex Williams scored twice, with further goals from Oliver Davies and youngster Kien Morris, capping a performance full of energy and quality. It was a special night under the lights and confirmed a third consecutive season with silverware since the club was formed.
Off the field the club launched its new website www.cefnalbion.co.uk to share news, promote teams, and support commercial activity. Combined with the reserves team and a firm commitment to local representation, the season laid strong foundations for competing at Tier 3 level.
2017/18 | Presidents Cup and formal link with Cefn Druids
As League Cup winners, the club faced FC Queens Park in the Presidents Cup at Lex XI’s Stansty Park and lost 5-2, with goals from Oliver Davies and Conner Kendrick.
On 28 June 2017 the club announced an official working partnership with Welsh Premier League neighbours Cefn Druids. The link focused on uniting the village, strengthening football pathways, and raising standards on and off the pitch. Although not an amalgamation, it reflected the village-first approach that saw Cefn Albion and Druids United come together in 1992 to form Cefn Druids, and it was warmly received in Cefn Mawr.
As part of the agreement, at an agreed hire price, the first team would initially play 9 WNL Premier Division home fixtures on the 3G at The Rock. Selected pre-season friendlies were also arranged there, and the squad trained at the facility when the weather made the MUGA difficult. Both clubs committed to reviewing the arrangement after the first 9 games, and the deal was later extended due to its success. The relationship between both chairmen, Haydn Evans (Albion) and John Hughes (Druids), was healthy, and the community was benefiting with the two clubs raising money for local charities through pre-season fixtures!
The partnership did not replace the club’s connection to the village. The MUGA remained the home base: the reserves played all home fixtures at the MUGA, the club lodged applications to continue using it for first-team games when required, and post-match hospitality continued at the Cefn Mawr Community Social Club.
Football benefits were clear. The Rock’s facilities provided a higher-performance environment for the players, helping to raise standards and consistency. Both clubs also recognised future possibilities, including pathways for talented local players to progress and the option of short-term loans in either direction when appropriate.
On the pitch, the move to The Rock improved performances and made Cefn Albion difficult to play against. The club completed the season at the venue and finished 4th in a strong WNL Premier Division, while the reserves benefited from the link and continued to develop with regular football at the MUGA.
2018/19 | FAW Trophy Winners
The relationship with Cefn Druids and their board of directors was blossoming, and after further talks, the club secured the use of The Rock for the full 2018/19 campaign, and the season delivered the proudest moment in our history.
Despite playing with ten men for a large portion of the match, Cefn Albion knocked out favourites STM Sports after extra time at Newtown’s Latham Park, booking a place in the FAW Trophy final against South Wales based Pontardawe Town.
The semi final game against STM Sports started in controversial fashion when Cardiff-based outfit were awarded a hotly-disputed penalty after a foul in the box by Cefn skipper Paul Griffiths. But another spot-kick was awarded to Albion and Oliver Davies sent the keeper the wrong way to level the tie. That’s how it stayed until the end of 90 minutes as the tie went into extra time. In extra time Dan Cox then conjured up a bit of magic to put substitute Conner Kendrick in the clear and he skilfully lobbed the keeper to send the travelling support wild.
With the South Walian opponents pushing for an equaliser, Albion caught them on the break with 17-year-old Zac Davies cutting in from the left before smashing the ball home.
Saturday 13 April 2019. Park Avenue, Aberystwyth. FAW Trophy Final against Pontardawe Town. Backed by a fantastic travelling support, Cefn Albion walked out to a proper showpiece. FAW Head of Competitions Andrew Howard placed the trophy pitchside as the teams emerged. Before kick off, both sides wore Show Racism the Red Card shirts, captains carried 'No To Racism' pennants and armbands, and the national anthem was observed.
From the very first whistle of well-renowned referee Mark Petch, Albion played with intent. After five minutes, a smart corner routine was met at the far post by Nathan Williams to make it 1-0. Moments later, Jimmy Jones rattled the post, and Conner Kendrick reacted first to roll in the second. Two up inside ten minutes and Pontardawe were rattled.
Approaching the half hour a cross from Alex Williams was half cleared and dropped to the excellent Kien Morris. His 20-yard strike took a deflection and found the net for 3-0. The youthful midfield of Dan Cox, Kien Morris and man of the match Dion Gibbins bossed the game, with Alex Williams and Jimmy Jones stretching the pitch on either flank. Half time. 3-0. A new name on the trophy was getting closer.
Pontardawe made changes and battled in the second half, but the Albion back line stood firm, throwing bodies on the line and managing the big moments. As stoppage time ticked away, there was still time for a touch of pure magic. Substitute Jamie Foulkes looked up, saw the goalkeeper off his line, and lifted an audacious 60-yard strike that dropped perfectly into the net. 4-0.
The whistle went and jubilant scenes followed. Cefn Albion were crowned FAW Trophy Champions 2018/19 with goals from Nathan Williams, Conner Kendrick, Kien Morris and Jamie Foulkes. It was a complete team performance from a community club that was only five years old. It remains our proudest achievement to date.
Final score: Cefn Albion 4-0 Pontardawe Town
During the 2018/19 season, the club reached the third round of the Welsh Cup and were drawn away to Welsh giants Bangor City. Hundreds of supporters travelled, and Conner Kendrick sent the Albion end wild with a one nil lead on 20 minutes after an even start. Bangor recovered and the tie finished six one, but it remains a memorable day for the club and its travelling support.
2019/20 | New manager and club captain, but a season curtailed by COVID-19
After a few years assisting, on 9th August 2019, Sean Jones took full charge as first team manager after Stephen Davies stepped down, bringing in Ian Andrews as assistant and Stephen Lloyd Jones as coach. A founder member of the squad in 2014 and assistant since 2016, Sean had been central to the club’s rise, including promotions in the WNL pyramid and the FAW Trophy win. Stepping into the lead role, he raised training standards, tightened organisation on matchdays, and set a clear identity built on intensity without the ball and quick transitions.
At the same time, Nathan Williams, 23, was named club captain, succeeding Paul “Muncher” Griffiths, 34, who stepped back to focus on family commitments. The leadership change aligned with Sean’s push to refresh and empower a younger core that had grown with the club.
Results followed for Micro and the team. Albion started fast and set the pace, sitting top of the league when football was suspended, having played more games than some rivals. The run included a statement 1-0 win in the last game away at title favourites Holywell at Halkyn Road.
On 19 May 2020, the FAW Board ratified the National League Board recommendation to curtail the season for Tiers 1 to 4 and apply a points per game calculation. On that basis, the first team finished 3rd and the reserves finished 9th. With the remaining fixtures looking favourable and the race for promotion to the Cymru Alliance expected to go to the wire, focus shifted to retaining the core, promoting players from the reserves where appropriate, and preparing thoroughly for the next campaign.
2020/21 | Ardal Northern East founding members
As part of the FAW “2020 Vision” pyramid restructure, Cefn Albion secured Tier 3 certification and was accepted as a founder member of the new Ardal Northern East division. On 28 July 2020, the FAW confirmed the Ardal Northern branding, with Lock Stock Self Storage as the title sponsor for the northern sections, hence Lock Stock Ardal North East and Lock Stock Ardal North West. An end of an era as we said Farewell to the Welsh National (Wrexham Area) League – a tribute written by Dave Jones of Grassroots North Wales.
Founder membership followed a formal application, interviews and compliance with Tier 3 ground criteria across facilities, safety, match operations and administration. Home fixtures remained scheduled at The Rock under the existing groundshare with Cefn Druids.
On 4 July 2020, the club appointed Phil Bathers as reserve team manager with Kev Edwards as assistant, replacing Tommy Evans after four seasons. Both are Cefn lads with substantial local experience, adding academy and senior know-how to the pathway from reserves to first team.
Also in July 2020, the well known Richard Cooke-Williams joined the club as part of Sean Jones’ backroom team. Drawing on his experience across the game, Cookie was an immediate asset to the backroom team.
Ardal North East founder members (FAW list):
Berriew, Bow Street, Caersws, Carno, Cefn Albion, Chirk AAA, Corwen, Four Crosses, Kerry, Llanfair United, Machynllech, Montgomery, Penparcau, Penycae, Rhos Aelwyd, Welshpool.
Unfortunately, the season never got started, and Zoom calls became the new normal!
2021/22 | First full Ardal season, 3rd place despite off-field troubles at The Rock
The new Lock Stock Ardal Northern leagues began on 30 July 2021 after the previous year was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cefn Albion competed in Ardal North East, with home matches at The Rock until Christmas. On 28 November 2021, the club appointed Stewart Roberts as Chair, succeeding Haydn Evans, who had stepped into the Treasurer role in July 2021.
Stewart Roberts, a born and bred Cefner, played youth football for Druids United at Plas Kynaston and later for the former Cefn Albion under Haydn Evans. Since 2006, Stew worked in football administration, including a five-year spell at Airbus UK Broughton in Tier 1, working with Craig Harrison and helping to recruit Andy Preece and Andy Morrison during the club’s 2013 European qualification era. Roberts joined the Albion in 2021 and focused on the general operations of the club and Tier 3 governance, strengthening sponsor and community links, leading talks with leagues and facility providers, and steering licensing work toward a future step to Tier 2.
By early 2022, despite our very best efforts, relations at The Rock had become extremely strained. After a change of chair and personnel at Cefn Druids, pitch hire doubled to £300 per game. Tier one match day requirements were imposed on Cefn Albion even though we were a tier three tenant, adding extra stewarding and safety costs, and training access was often withdrawn at short notice. A scheduled home fixture on 27 November 2021 against title rivals Caersws was postponed, and the rearranged date on 27 January 2022 could not be staged at The Rock. On 22 January 2022, a Cymru North match was given priority over an important Cefn Albion Ardal North East fixture, undermining a team that was challenging. After the ground safety officer at Druids left, communication stalled completely, and the club was left in the dark. In practical terms, fixtures and access were repeatedly altered or withdrawn late, creating a real risk that we would be unable to fulfil league games.
To keep fixtures on, several home games were moved to alternative venues, including TNS 3G and Brymbo Crick, before a formal agreement was secured with Brickfield Rangers to stage home matches at Clywedog Park for the remainder of 2021/22. The arrangement was ratified by the Ardal North East League and the FAW. Forced to play outside Cefn Mawr, the club released a statement to announce the end of our tenancy at The Rock and the beginning of what would turn out to be a three-year exile from the village. We did not know it at the time, but it would become the most challenging three years in the club’s young history. It was a dark spell, yet the resilience of our volunteers and everyone representing the club shone through.
Despite the off-field issues, the team played front-foot football and stayed in the top three for long spells. Albion were the highest scorers in the division with 113 league goals and posted a goal difference of +81. Only 3 defeats in 30 league fixtures underlined the consistency, and the level was maintained across all venues after the April move. The side also reached the FAW Amateur Trophy quarter final in February but lost to tier 5 Rockspur Fords down in Swansea. The year further embedded Tier 3 operating standards required by the new structure.
Final position: 3rd
Record: P 30 W 22 D 5 L 3 GF 113 GA 32 Pts 68
Following the completion of the 2021/22 Ardal Northern East season, Sean Jones made the difficult decision to step down as the first team manager. A blow to the club, but his decision was respected and supported.
2022/23 | Full season at Clywedog, Tier 2 licence, playoff push
Following the club being forced away from The Rock, Cefn Albion agreed a full season groundshare at Clywedog Park with Brickfield Rangers, ratified by the Ardal North East League and the FAW. All first-team home fixtures were staged at Clywedog Park, which provided the stability needed to operate at Tier 3 and to plan properly week to week.
In June 2022, the club announced that Kevin Edwards and Steve Lloyd Jones would both return to the club, with Jamie Foulkes also joining the well-respected C license holder Phil Bathers to form a new reserve management team heading into 2022/23.
During the season, the club confirmed Tier 3 certification at Clywedog Park and, in May 2023, was also awarded a Tier 2 licence for the same venue. Meeting those enhanced FAW facilities and operational standards at Clywedog underlined the club’s intent to compete at the next level when the opportunity arose.
Ian Andrews was appointed first team manager before the campaign, stepping up after Sean Jones stood down for work and family reasons. Ian held a C Licence on appointment and began working toward the B Licence, aligning the coaching pathway with the ambitions of the squad.
On the pitch Albion mounted a sustained challenge near the top of Ardal North East, finishing runners-up to Caersws and earning a promotion playoff to Tier 2. In front of a huge crowd at Prestatyn’s Bastion Gardens, Albion were reduced to 10 men after Dion Gibbins was sent off on 43 minutes, but the team rallied as late goals from Ryan Kershaw and Ryan Kehoe forced extra time against Bangor 1876 of Ardal North West. The playoff eventually finished 4-2, but the campaign underlined clear progression, a consistent identity in and out of possession, and a balanced squad featuring several players developed within the club.
Highlights of this game are available on the clubs you tube channel.
In June 2023, the club was disappointed to announce the departure of Richard Cooke-Williams from his role as Assistant Manager of the first team. Together with Ian Andrews, who faced similar availability challenges due to work commitments, the duo came remarkably close to accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of securing promotion to Tier 2
2023/24 | Neil Ashton appointed, then departs
In June 2023, Cefn Albion appointed Neil Ashton on an initial two-year term through summer 2025. Ian Andrews was appointed as an assistant. Ashy arrived with a strong pedigree as a player and coach: Tranmere Rovers youth, senior spells with Shrewsbury Town, Chester City, Barrow, Southport and Wrexham, where he won the FA Trophy in 2012/13, then leadership roles in the Welsh top flight with Cefn Druids and Llandudno, captaining Druids into Europa League qualifying. He moved into management with Cefn Druids on 27 April 2022 and guided them to 7th in JD Cymru North despite a transfer embargo.
However, results did not meet expectations, and on 11 November 2023, following a 4-1 defeat to Llanrhaeadr in Ardal Northern East, the club parted ways with Ashton. Sean Jones stepped in as interim manager alongside Ian Andrews, with their focus to stabilise the dressing room and maintain competitive standards through the winter.
Thomas Evans and Jack Richards were again entrusted with leading the reserve team, who were placed in a Ardal Reserve league that combined Tier 2 and Tier 3 clubs from the Wrexham area and the North Wales Coast. A squad full of young aspiring players was expected to travel up to two hours simply to play. The season started extremly late and concerns were raised but no action followed, many clubs withdrew because of the demands, and the season was not completed, to no-ones surprise.
It was during this season that Chris Parry was appointed as General Manager of the football club, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience gained throughout the football pyramid.
On the field, the campaign ultimately settled in mid-table. Final position: 7th
Record: P 28 W 13 D 3 L 12 GF 61 GA 55 GD +6 Pts 42. It was a season defined by inconsistency but also by resilience, with valuable lessons carried into the following year.
Off the field, the Albion Goldmine £1,000 monthly prize draw launched in June 2023 and quickly became central to fundraising alongside existing initiatives and sponsorships.
2024/25 | Resilience and rebuilding
In June 2024, Ian Andrews returned as first team manager, with Josh Millington as player manager, Andy Roberts continuing as goalkeeper coach, and Paul Conlan as physio.
The club again secured a Tier 3 licence and, for a third successive season, was forced to stage all home fixtures at Clywedog Park.
After a challenging 2023/24 season, where the reserves had to endure long journeys to places like Nantlle Vale, Pwllheli, Llangefni, St Asaph, and Llanrwst just to play grassroots football, the club announced that the reserve team had been accepted into the North East Wales Football Reserve League (Group A) for the 2024/25 season. Much more regional! Heading into the following season, Thomas Evans and Jack Richards were tasked with rebuilding the reserve team, restoring belief and standards after the previous season’s debacle had left many disillusioned.
On the pitch, it was a year of extremes. The season started positively, but soon fizzled out with the club failing to compete in all competitions. Squad turnover shaped the campaign. Key players departed in August and again in the January window, while new additions came in and several reserve players featured regularly, contributing meaningful minutes through the run-in. There were clear highs, including a 7-1 away win at Llansantffraid Village and local derby doubles over Chirk AAA, Rhos Aelwyd and Penycae. There were also difficult afternoons, most notably a 7-0 defeat at Dolgellau AA.
After a 2-0 derby loss to Llangollen Town on 28 December, Ian Andrews resigned as manager. The side was steadied by Josh Millington, with local lads Thomas Evans and Jack Richards stepping up from the reserves to support the first team group. The reserves were managed by Ellis Leighton, with support from Paul Vaughan.
Operating away from Cefn Mawr for a third full season continued to test the club financially and logistically. Fundraising and partnerships such as the Albion Goldmine, Golden Goals and Lucky Threes remained essential to day-to-day operations. Plans and licensing work for a return to the MUGA gathered real pace. A switch back after January 2025 was targeted, but the move was delayed because work was unfinished and the required criteria had not yet been met.
The club finished 11th, its lowest position since becoming a founding member of the Ardal Northern East League. It was a compressed mid-table, with only 1 point separating Albion from 6th, so small swings had a large impact. Even so, the season underlined Albion’s resilience, kept the player pathway active, and set the stage for a reset back in the village.
2025/26 | The Return to the MUGA in Cefn Mawr
The 13th of May 2025 marked a historic day for the football club. The FAW First Instance Body awarded Tier 3 licence status to the MUGA for the 2025/26 season. With a new agreement in place with Cefn Mawr Community Council and significant upgrades completed at the facility, this enabled Cefn Albion to confirm a return to compete in the Ardal Northern East at the heart of the village.
The upgrades at the MUGA were extensive. The pitch was extended in length and width. A new 100-seat stand sat behind the Tesco end. Access around the ground was improved with new dugouts, adjusted barriers, extra showers, new steps to create a safe players’ route, and a dedicated ambulance entrance. Environmental works included a new mini forest planted at the Coronation Street end, which local pupils were set to help maintain.
The transformation was made possible by the volunteers at Cefn Albion Football Club, Cefn Community Council, local councillors and officers, and partners including Cadwyn Clwyd, the Levelling Up Fund, Jones Bros, and T and K Groundworks and Garden Transformations, who completed crucial hardstanding. Chair Stewart Roberts described the homecoming as an emotional moment. Since exile, the club’s aim had been to one day return home and with Tier 3 approval in place, the club could reset and come back stronger with a facility that served both Cefn Albion and the wider community. The upgraded MUGA was set to act as a shared hub for local schools, youth teams and community groups. After years of resilience and determination, the club were finally coming home to the bank of the MUGA.
The 2025/26 season opened a new chapter. With the MUGA as a permanent home, Cefn Albion were positioned to unite the community on and off the pitch once again. Josh Millington remained as player-manager, with Thomas Evans and Jack Richards retained in the first team group and tasked with strengthening the squad. Several notable arrivals followed, including 16-year-old Thomas Broadhurst from TNS.
The homecoming was marked by a Cefn Albion 'Legends' fundraising match that saw more than 60 former and current players pull on the shirt in front of hundreds of local supporters.
A series of high-profile friendlies then brought Newtown, Rhyl, and West Kirby to the MUGA, underlining the positive support for the club’s return to the village.
The first competitive fixture at the MUGA took place on 26 July 2025 in the Welsh Cup qualifying round against local neighbours Rhos Aelwyd. Broadhurst scored twice to put Albion 2-1 ahead before the match was brought to a premature end following a serious injury to Jamie Foulkes, who sustained a dislocated ankle and fractures to the fibula and tibia. Despite the abandonment, the tie was awarded to Cefn Albion, who progressed to the next round.
The first Ardal Northern East League fixture at the ground followed against newly promoted Lex XI and finished 5-1 to Cefn Albion, with goals from Alex Williams (2), Jimmy Jones (2) and Leighton Kendrick.
On 28 July 2025, Jamie Hulse was appointed first team manager. His first match in charge came against his former club Corwen and finished 1-0 to Cefn Albion, with Alex Williams scoring the winner.
