Ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, the South Wales Women’s and Girls League (SWWGL) has seen a number of newly formed teams join the senior women’s pyramid. We have seen that many form, that there will be a newly introduced Division Four next season, tier seven of the women’s football system. AFC Penrhiwceiber will see a women’s senior team represented for the first time ever.
The largest grassroots club in Rhondda Cynon Taff with over 350 junior players, Penrhiwceiber won the SWWGL U17s Championship with an unbeaten campaign last time out. The club has 150 female players across their teams, and with the newly formed senior team, there is a pathway all the way through to women’s football. There is also a boys youth team and two mens team’s at the club, with opportunities across all section’s in Penrhiwceiber.
Initially placed into Division Four of the SWWGL, a recent restructure has seen a group stage form with 24 teams involved, to decide the formation of Division Three and Four. AFC Penrhiwceiber have been drawn into Group A, and will face Abertillery Bluebirds in their opening game on Sunday 6th September at their home ground, Pentwyn Fields.
A busy summer preparing for a historic season for the football club, many players have remained from the U17s last season, which will see those players continue their journey with the club into senior football, whilst there have also been key signings ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
AFC Penrhiwceiber coach and club chairman Ziggy Hargraves said on the recent formation of the women’s team: “AFC Penrhiwceiber are a club really on the climb, going from strength to strength over the past few years. We are committed to the female game with a clear pathway throughout the age groups. After a successful campaign for the team last season, we’re hoping for another good year as we embark on our first campaign in the adults game.
“We ensure the game is played in a fun and unpressurised environment allowing players the freedom to express themselves on the field. We’ve brought in some good player in Alice Griffiths, Megan Turley and Chelsea Humphreys to compliment an already good committed squad. We’re actively looking to recruit more committed players to help us in what will be a long hard season. Hopefully another good and progressive season ahead.
Chelsea Humphreys and Alice Griffiths both join after spells at AFC Llwydcoed, whilst Megan Turley joins from Treforest FC after competing in their U16s side last season. Turley could feature against Treforest’s senior team when the two sides go head-to-head in the SWWGL Group Stages on Sunday 27th September.
Afan United, Ynyshir Albions and Porth Harlequins BGC have also been placed in Group A, as AFC Penrhiwceiber look ahead to a potential place in Division Three, if they are successful in the groups across September and October.
However, whatever happens for the team this season, the formation of AFC Penrhiwceiber Women is another significant step for women’s and girls football at both the football club and in South Wales, as more and more teams begin to be represented in the women’s football pyramid for the first time.
To keep up to date with the newly formed SWWGL side, follow their Instagram here!
