18 January 1964   Alan Thomas - First ‘Cap’ For Fochriw    It was a night to remember at Fochriw on Thursday last, when nearly 300 people packed the concert hall of the new Fochriw Labour Club in Glyn Terrace to pay tribute to Alan Thomas, the village’s first Welsh rugby ‘cap.’ Alan is 23, and plays open side wing forward for Newport. After receiving three gifts from local organisations, he told the audience, “I never realised how proud Fochriw would be of me. Standing on the Arms Park in a Welsh jersey is a moment I shall never forget. And this is another.” The main presentation of an engraved wrist-watch was made on behalf of the Labour Club by Mr. John Llewellyn, J.P., who referred to the achievement of other local men - Brian Price and John Uzzell, both of Deri. Coun. Frank Jenkins presented a bowl on behalf of the ‘Y.M.’ A third gift, a coloured photograh of Alan in his Welsh kit, was presented by Mr. Tom Powell, on behalf of the Welfare and Institute. Rev. Evan Sedgemore said that there were 4,150 people living in the area, and it was remarkable that four internationals should come from the district - Billy Thomas of Deri was capped last year. Other speakers were Mr. N. Withers, chairman of th Y.M.C.A., and Mr. Ellis Davies, secretary of the Fochriw Labour Club. A belated, suprise visitor was Clive Rowlands, skipper of Pontypool and Wales. The chairman was Mr. Jack Davies, chairman of the Fochriw Labour Club, and a fine evening’s entertainment was provided by Leyton Weekes, Jeff Crocker and Ron Gibbs.

Football

Fochriw soccer club was formed in July 1910 with a view to competing in the Third Division of the Glamorgan League. However, a report for the 1912 season had them playing in the 5th Division. Their HQ was in the Station Restaurant in Fochriw, the location of which is unknown. At the end of season dinner, presentations  of silver medals were made to the players as a result of their endeavours at the Bargoed Tournament. There was not yet any formal football ground so the team used to play on the Primrose Field which was the location for nearly all such activities in the village.

Many reports of this era record that either the home team or visitors used to turn up with an incomplete team, the numbers being made up by players from the home venue.

By 1914, the team were playing in the 3rd Division.

In 1917, the team had won medals after competing in the Rhymney Tournament.

The Rhymney Valley League Schools Shield, 1919-1920 was won by the Fochriw School A.F.C. They had a splendid record for the season having lost only two matches out of 20 played, drawn two, and scored 68 goals against 16.

During the 1920/21 season the first team were also playing in the  Glamorgan League and the Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds Welfare League,

During June 1921  it was reported that Fochriw sported a Ladies' Football team who entertained Pontlottyn  and lost by 2 goals to 1, and, in September 1921   Pentwyn’s  Football Team had its first mention playing in a 1st Glamorgan League match. However, the team only survived for the one season, being reformed during November 1933 as Pentwyn Stars.

During October 1921 it would appear that the first football team changed their name to Fochriw Hotspurs and were playing in Division 2 of the Glamorgan League. A mention of the Fochriw Welfare team , Junior Team and Penybanc Schoolboys was also made.