A Warm Welcome for Andrew Edwards at The MUGA

Football has a funny way of creating moments that last far beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch. On Saturday 27th September at The MUGA, Cefn Albion once again showed that our club is about much more than goals and results, it’s about people, kindness, and community.

Amongst the crowd at the MUGA for our 5-0 league cup win against Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant was Andrew Edwards, a man whose life story is nothing short of remarkable. Andrew, who works with the Your Space mental health charity, is an avid football shirt collector. While enjoying the game, he asked if the club might have an old shirt he could add to his collection.

In true community spirit, volunteers rallied and unearthed the 2018/19 home shirt, the very one worn in the 4–0 FAW Trophy final against Pontardawe at Aberystwyth’s Park Avenue. The shirt itself carried extra meaning: it was number 12, worn in the final by none other than legendary striker Oliver Davies who has scored his fair share of goals for the Albion.

The smile on Andrew’s face said it all and he couldnt thank us enough for this small but mighty gesture. We have since recieved a message with a photo of Andrew proudly wearing the shirt after completing an eight-mile run in just over 71 minutes. He wrote:

“This is me in the Cefn Albion shirt that the club kindly gave me on Saturday. I had just finished an eight mile run in 71.57. 🏃‍♂ I really enjoyed the warm welcome that I received from all whom I met at The MUGA.”

More Than a Game

For those who don’t know Andrew, his journey is truly inspirational. Diagnosed with autism at the age of four, his family were once told he would probably never live an independent life. But thanks to his late mother’s determination and his own resilience, Andrew has defied every expectation.

From securing his dream job at Manchester United Television, to meeting royalty at Buckingham Palace, to publishing books that have helped countless people better understand autism, Andrew has spent his life proving that barriers can be broken. Today, through his role with Your Space, he continues to inspire others by raising awareness and creating opportunities for people with autism across North Wales.

That’s why Saturday’s moment felt so powerful. It was more than just giving away another iconic shirt, it was about making someone feel at home, valued, and part of our football family when they visit the MUGA in Cefn Mawr.

The Albion Way

At Cefn Albion, we take pride in being more than a football club. Whether it’s supporting local charities, celebrating our volunteers, or, as in this case, making a visiting supporter feel special, we believe these small acts of kindness are what grassroots football is all about.

Andrew left The MUGA with a piece of our history, but we also like to think he left with a sense of belonging and a few more friends in Cefn Mawr.

Moments like this are why we say football is more than a game. It’s community. It’s connection. It’s Cefn Albion.

Read more: Andrew Edwards Website

💙 #UpTheAlbion