History:
A Brief History of the RoversFrom photographic evidence and recollections handed down to relatives and friends, it is clear that football existed in Loughor in the early 1920's and most probably before the first World War.
Back in the 20's, the team was called Bwlch-y-mynydd Stars and home games would have been played on a field behind the Globe Inn, known locally as Cae Globe. Prior to accommodating football in the 20's, it was used by Loughor RFC until they moved to the Rectory Field.
Records show that this team played in the Llanelli and District Amateur League, where in the 1922/23 season they won both League Championship and Senior Cup Competitions.
In the 1930's interest in football had increased with local competition to Loughor Stars in the form of Borough Rovers, founded by Mr. Bert Williams, a native of Borough Road, Loughor. Home games being played in the field opposite Loughor Foundry, close to the estuary. It is unclear whether both Rovers' teams ever played each other. They did however exist at the same time during the late thirties. Locals have also recalled that games involving the Loughor Rovers were played on land that is now called Pen-Y-Beili during this period.
With the onset of the Second World War, many of the local teams disbanded, as players were called-up for active duty. However, Rovers maintained their affiliation to the Carmarthenshire League, winning a league and cup double in season 1943/44. This team also went on to lift the equivalent of the current West Wales Cup in season 1943/44 and 1944/45. The 1940's were possibly the most successful period for the Club, with the emergence of Darwell (Davo) Williams, who would go on to play professional football for Swansea Town from 1947 to 1955.
The 1950's would see a disappearance of the Rovers from all competitive matches until 1959/60, when they would reappear in the Swansea League as basically a works side based at Swears and Wells Factory in Penllergaer. This team only competed for 2 or 3 seasons and by 1962/63, the Rovers again were no more.
No further teams represented Loughor until the 1977/78 season, when a junior side called Casllwchwr Primary entered the Under 12 Division of the Carmarthenshire Junior League. Little did we know at that time that these youngsters would provide the talent to enable senior football to again emerge in Loughor and from 1983/84 the Rovers once again fielded a competitive side in local league football.
Currently, information is being gathered to produce a comprehensive history of Loughor Rovers which it is hoped will be published soon.
If anyone has any photographs or any recollections which they would like included in the book, please contact Roger Thomas on 01792-897349.
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