Kilgetty AFC hosted its annual Junior Football Festival day of fun and fairness on the recent Bank Holiday Monday and it was deemed a huge sucees!

With 52 teams, over 520 players, and 800 plus spectators, the event was a celebration of junior football, community spirit, and fair play.

Matches were held across six pitches, layouts created by Club chairman and groundsman Lukas Gamble, pitch markings completed by Boot of Lydstep Ltd’s robot.

To accommodate the influx of visitors, Kilgetty AFC extended thanks for the use of Stepaside School, Begelly Arms, and part of the community field, all of which provided vital parking support.

Special thanks went to the volunteers who helped coordinate parking, including -Saundersfoot Rotary members, Kilgetty Women’s Captain Maisie Sherratt, Georgia Jones, Steve Bradley, Simon and Jamie Keeting, the Men’s Team, and Rib and Oyster’s Lucy Davies and Zoey Jones.

The day featured 31 mixed teams (Under 8s, 9s, 13s, and 14s) in the morning, and 21 girls’ teams (Under 9s, 11s, and 13s) in the afternoon.

Teams travelled from across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath, Newport, and even England to participate.

Spectators, including - Under 9s Girls sponsor Adam, Goldie Lookin Chain, and Ospreys Rugby player Justin Tipuric, enjoyed a high standard of football officiated by Pembrokeshire League referees and Kilgetty AFC volunteers.

This year’s festival highlighted fair play both on and off the pitch, as Kilgetty AFC partnered with the Fair Trade In Football Campaign, teams used Bala Sport Fair Trade footballs, ensuring ethical production standards, no child or forced labour, fair wages, and community support through Fairtrade Premiums.

The Club’s commitment to fairness was made possible by a Be Active Wales Fund Grant.

Under 8s to 11s matches were non-competitive, focusing on fun, development, and inclusion. Competitive finals took place in the older categories with Fishguard U13s Mixed and Pontardawe Town U14s Mixed Teams tournament champions.

The U13s Girls Final was Kilgetty vs Milford United, where Milford United edged out a close win.

The festival was met with glowing praise from visiting team coaches: “Massive thank you, the team absolutely loved the festival, great organisation!” said Crymych u8s.

“Thank you to all teams involved. Special thank you to Kilgetty for being great hosts and ensuring everything was run smoothly, great day had by all!” commented Milford u9s Girls.

Such positive feedback is a testament to the hard work of the organisers - James North, Lukas Gamble, Sharron Hardwick, with support from Matt Davies, Zak Thomas, and Mike John. Kilgetty AFC also extended heartfelt thanks to coaches, volunteers, BBQers James, Mike and Ben, referees, Kingsmoor Sports Club, and Julie Keeting, who operated the park-and-ride PVT Minibus.

The Junior Football Festival is Kilgetty AFC’s main fundraising event.

The club is grateful to sponsors - Folly Farm, RWE with Puffin Cottage Holidays, Ty Francis, Saundersfoot Rotary, and programme sponsors Twisted Tangles, GD Harries, Rib and Oyster, Olive and Oz Van Conversions, and Classic Carpets.

Here’s to another successful year of junior football, community support, and fair play in Kilgetty!