Community Reds

24/10/2025

A Day in the Life of a Community Reds Volunteer

Every day as a Community Reds volunteer is different — and that’s what makes it special. Whether we’re delivering our Inclusion Sports Outreach Programme, running Walking Football sessions, supporting our Extra Time Friendship Club, or helping to lead the many community initiatives under the BFL Community Reds banner — the hours soon stack up. Over 30+ weekly volunteer hours go into making sure our community is active, connected, and included. And that doesn’t even count the incredible additional hours given by our Walking Football coaches and committee.

Add to that my role as SLO & Disability Access Officer, plus matchday duties for Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC and BFL Ladies, and you can see why it’s a busy and inspiring journey. But this is what drives us — to Create, Enable, Empower, and Change. Because nobody should ever be left sitting on the bench.

Tomorrow we return to the Renewable Energy Stadium as we welcome Colwyn Bay in the Cymru Premiership (2:30pm KO). This week I’ve been working closely with Neil, their SLO, sharing information including our BFL Fans Guide and making sure every visiting supporter — especially those with additional needs — has the best possible matchday experience. We’re expecting around 100 travelling fans, and we look forward to hosting them with warmth, respect, and passion.

On Tuesday, we turn the page to a new chapter with the launch of our 5-Year Development Strategy: “One Club. One Community. One Future.” If you haven’t booked your place, today is the final chance. Don’t miss what promises to be a milestone moment for our football family.

Best of luck to every player wearing the Briton Ferry Llansawel shirt this weekend — over 500 registered players representing our badge with pride. And a huge shoutout to our three over-40s Community Reds walking footballers who will swap BFL red for the Welsh Dragons, facing England in Birmingham on Sunday. Go and make us proud.

Finally, a special congratulations to Martin Ransom, our Director of Football for the Community Reds, on being chosen to help lead the growth and development of the Welsh Dragons. Martin is driving exciting new projects that we will share soon, as we continue our mission to Create, Enable, Empower, and Change — ensuring that truly, Nobody is Left Sitting on the Bench.


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23/10/2025

🎬 Lights, Camera, Action!

What a brilliant day for the BFL Community Reds as we played our part in filming the brand-new promotional video for our 5-Year Development Plan, launching next Tuesday! ❤️🤝

When we look back over the last 14 months, it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come together. And this is only the beginning…

Next week we launch “One Club. One Community. One Future – I Am Red”, alongside our Create. Enable. Empower. Change. programme — making sure nobody is left sitting on the bench. This is a real game-changer for our community. 🔴✨

This is your chance to get involved and discover all the exciting opportunities within our 5-Year Strategic Plan.
📩 For info or to book your place: info@communityreds.org

👥 EXTRA TIME FRIENDSHIP GROUP

Yesterday, our weekly Extra Time Friendship Group met at the ground for our usual Wednesday catch-up. The group is open to everyone, and runs every Wednesday, 1–3pm in Bar Red.

It’s a fantastic chance to meet supporters, chat, socialise and enjoy light activities in a warm, friendly setting.
📩 For the latest programme: kevin@communityreds.org

⚽ A BIG WEEKEND OF FOOTBALL AHEAD

It’s a huge weekend for the club with:
🔴 Men’s & Women’s teams in Premiership action
🔴 Walking Football (40+) players heading to Birmingham to represent the Dragons vs England
🔴 A packed Saturday at the Renewable Centre Stadium, as Andy and the boys host Colwyn Bay, with over 100 travelling fans expected! What an atmosphere it will be!
🔴 On Sunday, our Ladies face Swansea City at Llandarcy in a local derby — another cracker in store!

Good luck to everyone representing Briton Ferry Llansawel this weekend. We’re behind you all the way! 🔴🙌.

23/10/2025

23/10/2025

We’re launching our brand-new 5-Year Strategic Brochure — shaping the future of Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC and our One Club. One Community. One Future. One Vision.

Join us for an exclusive evening where we’ll share our plans for the next five years — from sustainability and talent development to community growth and partnerships.

📍 Blanco’s Hotel, Port Talbot
🗓️ Tuesday 28th October
🕖 7–9pm | Refreshments provided

Be part of our journey.
➡️ Register your interest here:
https://forms.gle/QZL3onp6862T7v8W6

21/10/2025

A busy and brilliant morning for our Community Reds volunteers!
We hosted our first ever competitive New Age Kurling and Boccia tournament, and what a day it turned out to be.

With a handful of members travelling from Neath Age Connect and nearly 30 people in attendance, the room was split into three teams: Neath, Margam and The Invincibles.

After seven tense rounds of New Age Kurling, Margam held a narrow lead, heading into the final seven rounds of Boccia. Following a morning filled with laughter, friendship and friendly competition, it all came down to the very last ball of the day—where The Invincibles emerged victorious!

Final Standings:
🥉 3rd Place: Neath – 180 points
🥈 2nd Place: Margam – 230 points
🥇 Champions: The Invincibles – 280 points

A huge well done and thank you to everyone who joined us. As you’ll see from the photos, the competition wasn’t the only treat—there were also some delicious homemade cakes to keep everyone smiling!

20/10/2025

Community Reds – Weekly Update

Good morning all. I hope you had a great weekend and are ready for another positive and productive week. As Monday arrives, the Community Reds Team is looking forward to a full programme of activities, including an exciting first for our community.

This week we are proud to support the very first Boccia and New Age Kurling match between Margam and Neath, delivered in partnership with Age Connects NPT. Our monthly “have-a-go” inclusive sport sessions have grown brilliantly, and it’s fantastic to see them now leading to our first social tournament. We’re really looking forward to bringing people together to enjoy inclusive sport, socialise, make new friendships — and ensure that nobody is left sitting on the bench. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this event possible.

Today is a day of planning and preparation as we complete reports, finalise future activities, and attend a meeting regarding the World Masters Walking Football Cup, which we are proud to be hosting in August next year.

We are also exploring new and exciting opportunities, including Quadball (formerly known as Quidditch). With support from the Welsh National Coach and a member of the Welsh Squad, we hope to offer local taster sessions soon. This will be a fun and inclusive addition to our sports programme — more details will be shared shortly, so watch this space!

Next week, we are very much looking forward to the launch of the Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC – One Club. One Community. One Future. brochure. This will outline our shared vision for creating something truly special here in Briton Ferry Llansawel through teamwork, community spirit, and opportunity for all.

As many of you know, the Community Reds is in the process of being established as a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation). This model will provide a strong and sustainable foundation, with its own constitution and a board of trustees to guide our work. These are exciting times, filled with progress, partnership and purpose. Together we will continue to Create, Enable, Empower and Change, building on the foundations already in place and ensuring that nobody is left on the bench.

Thank you for your continued support.
Watch this space — there is so much more to come.

19/10/2025

Yesterday’s result was disappointing, and it’s only natural to feel flat after a tough afternoon. But now is the moment to stand tall, dust ourselves down, and be ready to go again next week. Survival in the Cymru Premiership is the mission, and there are no easy fixtures in this league. Every game demands fight, desire, discipline and 110% commitment — from players, coaches and supporters alike.

We can sit in the gloom, or we can rise together. If we stay united, support one another, put in the work and believe in what we’re building, the tide will turn. Tough times don’t last — tough teams do.

Despite the result, yesterday was another positive step for the Community Reds. Working alongside the Club’s SLO, we welcomed supporters at the Renewable Centre Stadium, chatted with fans as they arrived, and were proud to support two wheelchair visitors enjoying their matchday. It was also great to catch up with Kevin, the Penybont SLO, and the travelling Bont Army.

A special shout-out to Briton Ferry Llansawel’s No.1, Will Fuller, who went between the sticks for the half-time penalty shoot-out. Brilliant to see young supporters from both sides getting involved and enjoying their football.

Today, two players from our Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC Walking Football Club – Community Reds Women’s Team fly out to Spain to represent Wales in an international tournament. What an achievement, and what an honour for our Club. Their success shows exactly what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and a positive mindset. We wish them the very best of luck — go and make memories and make us proud!

If you’d like to try walking football or learn more about this fast-growing sport, we are recruiting new players. Men and Women train every Sunday, 6:00–7:30pm at Llandarcy Academy of Sport. For more information, check out the page or email martin@communityreds.org.

There is no fixture for Briton Ferry Llansawel Ladies this weekend, but they’ll be back in action next week in a local derby away to Swansea City Ladies.

Whatever you’re up to today — enjoy it, stay safe, and be kind. Better days are ahead. We go again. Together.


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18/10/2025

🔴 MATCHDAY MESSAGE FROM THE SLO 🔴

It’s game day at the Renewable Centre Stadium as Andy and the boys take on high-flying Penybont in the FAW Welsh Cup!
Kick-off is at 2pm, and we’re calling on everyone to pack the ground and create a wall of noise!

We know Kevin the SLO and the Bont Army will be in fine voice, backing their team all the way — so it’s up to us to match that energy and then some. We need every member of the Red Army chanting, singing, and supporting from the first whistle to the last. Let’s be that twelfth man that makes the difference.

The Red Army is building a fantastic reputation across Welsh football — known for being warm, friendly, and passionate supporters, and a pleasure to host. Let’s bring that same noise, passion, and pride to today’s game!

As the club’s Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) and Disability Access Officer, my role is to act as the link between fans and the club, working alongside the Community Reds and our matchday volunteers to make the experience even better for everyone visiting the Renewable Centre Stadium.

If you have any suggestions, want to know more about my role, or are interested in joining some of our supporter engagement initiatives, please come and chat with me or one of the team today — or drop us an email at info@communityreds.org.

Have a fantastic day — and let’s make sure the Renewable Centre Stadium is rocking!

COME ON YOU REDS! 🔴⚽

17/10/2025

⚽ Let’s Pack the Renewable Centre Stadium! ⚽

We’re calling on everyone in the community to come and support Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC in tomorrow’s FAW Welsh Cup tie against Penybont!

📅 Date: Tomorrow
🕑 Kick-off: 2:00 PM
🏟️ Venue: Renewable Centre Stadium

It promises to be a cracking cup tie, and we’d love to see a full house cheering on the Reds!

As part of our Community Reds Initiatives, we’re dedicated to making every matchday at Briton Ferry Llansawel a fantastic experience for supporters of all ages. It’s about bringing our local community together — enjoying the football, getting involved in the activities, and showing your support for all our Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC teams, home and away.

So grab your friends, family, and neighbours — and let’s make tomorrow’s match one to remember! 🔴⚽

16/10/2025

Back to Business with Community Reds – Creating, Enabling, Empowering Change

After a fantastic day at the NEC yesterday, it’s back to business today for the Community Reds team!
We’re delivering a Tempo Volunteering Day workshop and our monthly Inclusion Sports session with a visit to Me, Myself and I Neath Port Talbot.

These visits reflect the very heart of the BFL Community Reds ethos — breaking down barriers, overcoming challenges, and providing inclusive sports opportunities for all. Our aim is simple but powerful: to ensure that nobody is left sitting on the bench.

Our Outreach Programme allows us to share our team’s skills and experience with a wide range of community partners and their guests. Through a variety of inclusive sports and leisure activities — including Boccia, Chair Cricket, New Age Kurling, Tennis, Indoor Bowls, and themed Potted Sports sessions — we help organisations and their members improve both physical and mental wellbeing in a fun, supportive environment.

👉 To learn more about our Community Reds Outreach Programme and how we can support your community group, organisation, or business, please get in touch at info@communityreds.org.

Matchday: More Than Just Football

As we look ahead to an exciting weekend of football action, with Andy and the boys taking on Penybont in the FAW Welsh Cup, it’s also the perfect time to highlight the other side of our work — our Community Reds Matchday Programme.

As the Club’s Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO), I’ll be at the Renewable Centre Stadium alongside Martin and our amazing volunteers. We’ll be welcoming fans, answering questions, building the pre-match atmosphere, and looking after our player mascots and halftime entertainment.

It’s a fun, rewarding way to contribute to the club and connect with our growing community of supporters.

We’re now looking to expand our matchday team!
We’re seeking volunteers to help with:

The Junior Supporters Programme

Player escorts and flag bearers

Halftime competitions and entertainment

All necessary training will be provided, and volunteering can also enhance your personal portfolio and future employment opportunities. Plus, you’ll earn Tempo Time Credits for your time and contribution

If you’re looking to make a difference, learn new skills, meet new people, and help us Create, Enable, and Empower Change, then we’d love to hear from you.

📧 Email us at info@communityreds.org – your opportunity to get involved and ensure nobody is left sitting on the bench is waiting for you!

14/10/2025

Never a Dull Moment with the Community Reds

There is never a dull moment in the role of a Volunteer Community Reds Officer. As many of you know, I have the responsibility for managing the Disability and Inclusion initiatives within the Community Reds.

Today’s agenda includes a Teams meeting and workshop, and I’m also finalising the draft of our Easy Read Volunteering Portfolio — ready for the launch of the Briton Ferry Llansawel Community Reds Volunteering Academy.

This evening, I’ll be representing BFL Community Reds at an event as part of Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Just a reminder — there is no Extra Time Friendship Group tomorrow down at Bar Red. We’ll be back next week as usual.

On Thursday, Martin and I will be attending a Volunteering Information Event, before delivering an Inclusion Sports Session for Me Myself and I later in the afternoon. Alongside that, there’s plenty of documentation and activity coordination to complete — it really is a rewarding role to be part of!

Although the results on the pitch might not be what we all want right now, I’m confident that once players return from injury, the results will soon turn around. It’s at times like this that we need to stick together, get behind the teams, and add our voices of encouragement. A lot of great work is happening behind the scenes, not just across the departments but within the Community Reds as well.

Later this month, the club will be sharing its long-term development plan, and I, for one, can’t wait to see the details and support the exciting future plans for the club and the Renewable Centre Stadium.

As we look ahead to the continued development of the BFL Community Reds and our initiatives through the Create Enable Empower Change Programme, we remain committed to ensuring that nobody is left sitting on the bench.

We’re already seeing green shoots of growth — more volunteers are joining our initiatives, and new organisations and teams are emerging through the ground-breaking work of the Community Reds. Long may this continue. With the upcoming Community Reds Outreach Programme, we aim to break down barriers, remove hurdles, and create opportunities for all — building on ability, not disability, and fostering a structure and platform that’s open to everyone.

13/10/2025

🌟 Community Reds Weekly Update

It’s the start of another busy and fun-filled week here at Community Reds!

On the menu this week, we’ve got a couple of Community Reds Outreach sessions, a Tempo Volunteering Day workshop, and several meetings with potential new community partners — plus planning for the World Masters Walking Football Cup.

Please note: due to a family commitment, there will be no Extra Time Friendship Club on Wednesday this week.

⚽ Weekend Football Round-Up

It’s been a busy weekend of football at the Renewable Centre Stadium, with both the men’s and women’s teams in Premiership action. Unfortunately, both sides suffered narrow defeats, with Briton Ferry Llansawel Ladies going down 3–2 to Aberystwyth Ladies.

But like the men, we know they’ll pick themselves up, dust themselves down, and go again next weekend. 💪

👟 Walking Football Success

There’s better news from our Community Reds Walking Football Initiative with Briton Ferry Llansawel AFC Walking Football Club.

Our women’s squads made their league debut yesterday, and after the first round of matches:

The Community Reds Team sit joint top with four wins from four 👏

The Rainbows Squad sit equal third, with two wins, two losses, and a draw

A fantastic result for everyone involved!

Later in the evening, our men’s team were also in action, with a training session and friendly against the Dragons at Llandarcy Academy of Sport.

In total, over 50 players represented Briton Ferry Llansawel Community Reds yesterday — a fantastic achievement and another example of our mission:
Creating, Enabling, Empowering Change — Ensuring Nobody Is Left Sitting on the Bench. ❤️

🌍 Looking Ahead

Yesterday, we also shared more about upcoming Community Reds initiatives aimed at:

Promoting fan engagement

Boosting attendances

Supporting health and mental wellbeing

We’ll soon be releasing the next stage of our Community Reds Development Plan, introducing exciting new opportunities to help break down barriers such as low self-esteem and loneliness.

By creating realistic solutions and bringing together people’s skills, knowledge, and passion, we can enable, empower, and support positive change in our community.

💬 Stay Connected

Together, we can — and will — ensure nobody is left sitting on the bench.

Have a great day, be kind, and support one another.
Remember: Once a Red, Always a Red.
Together, we can create change.

For more information, contact us at:
📧 info@communityreds.org