The History of Football in the Rhondda Valleys

Rhondda Valleys Information and History

The History of Football in the Rhondda Valleys.

Ynyshir United A.F.C. 1946-8.

Mr Mansell Kettley - of Ynyshir - was a well known Rhondda footballer, and a prolific goal scorer. Over the years of playing he could have turned professional several times - notably with Blackburn Rovers - but as Mansell explains there were simply not the financial rewards neccessary to provide adequately for a family. Mansell thus decided to play his football within the Pontypridd and Rhondda Valleys district. Mansell's brother - Spencer Kettley - nevertheless decided to make the move to professional football, and signed for Luton Town. Mansell's other brother Stan was also a Rhondda footballer. Following on the Kettley footballing tradition, Mansell's son Michael, and grandson Andrew, both went on to do well in football.

If you are old enough you will recognise many well known - mainly Ynyshir men - who were once involved with local football, men like Mansell, Stan and Spencer Kettley - later of Luton Town -, Ginger Williams, Des Phelps,
Edward Evans, Jack Serpel, B. Thomas, D. Thomas, B. Gifford, E. Williams (trainer), Dai Reed, Don Serpel, N. Davies. J. Pike, B. Reed, D. Picketts, Tref Rees, G. Jones, Dai Foulkes and Alby Uzzell. And not forgetting the ever present Mr Matthews - the first aider.

Mansell has kindly opened up his extensive footballing pictorial archives to share with us and to preserve for generations to follow. Click on the images to see them full size, and use your back button to return.

Wattstown A.F.C. 1924-5	Ynyshir Rangers F.C. 1920-1	Ynyshir Albion Football Club 1945
Ynyshir Albion Football Club - all conquering circa 1935	Ynyshir Albion Football Club - Mansell Kettley back row third from left	Ynyshir United 1945-46
Ynyshir United circa 1950	Ynyshir United late 1950's	Ynyshir, Luton Town Program with Spencer Kettley at Left Half in 1944
Ynyshir, Spencer Kettley - went on to play for Luton Town

Ynyshir Page 1>>Ynyshir Page 2>>Ynyshir Page 3>>Ynyshir Page 4>
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School Photos 1>>School Photos 2>> School Photos 3>>Rhondda

There is an excellent new website with high resolution old photos of the United Kingdom (including the Rhondda Valleys) at www.oldukphotos.com
If you have any old family photos or pictures of the towns and villages please scan them in at least 1280 pixels width and email them here.

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