IN A remarkable turnaround, Cwm Albion, previously crowned Specsavers’ Best Worst Team, have secured promotion to Division One of the Swansea Senior League.
The title win follows a dramatic 6-2 victory over African Community Centre on Saturday afternoon (02 May), marking a defining moment in the club’s history and completing an extraordinary rise up the table.
The result caps off an incredible transformation for the 114-year-old club, who just a few seasons ago were enduring one of the toughest periods in their history. Having lost every game and recorded a staggering -191 goal difference in the 2022/23 season in Division Four, the side has since turned its fortunes around completely.
Speaking after the historic achievement, manager Dan Gill says: ‘Honestly, it’s hard to take in. Three seasons ago we couldn’t buy a win, we were conceding games heavily every week.
‘To go from that to now being promoted in the Swansea Senior League is unbelievable. Looking back, it doesn’t even feel like the same club anymore. There’s been a real shift in mindset and standards, and thanks to Specsavers’ support, we’ve been able to build something much stronger.’
At the start of the 2023/24 season, Cwm Albion were selected by Specsavers as part of its Best Worst Team series – an initiative which helps to turn around the fortunes of grassroots football teams judged to be the worst in Britain. The support, including mentorship from footballing legend Harry Redknapp, and provided a much-needed boost to Cwm Albion, helping to attract new players and restore confidence across the club.
Dan adds: ‘At the start of the 2023/24 season, we were at our lowest point. The initiative gave us the push we needed; we’ve got more players coming in, we’re winning more, scoring more and conceding less. I’m so proud of everyone involved.
‘We’ve certainly been enjoying the celebrations. It’s great to see so much hard work pay off. Other clubs have been asking how we kept the club going when we were conceding ten goals a game, it just shows how far we’ve come.’
Kim Bull, Brand Communications Lead at Specsavers, says: ‘Best Worst Team celebrates grassroots football and the communities at its heart so following Cwm Albion’s journey has been incredible.
‘To see them go on to secure promotion is fantastic, and we’re so pleased for everyone at the club. It’s a true grassroots underdog story and highlights the lasting impact of the initiative.’
