The Ancients Cefn Druids AFC
Wales · Founded: 1872
Cefn Druids AFC is a Welsh football club based in Rhosymedre, Wrexham County Borough. The club traces its origins back to 1872, making it one of the oldest football clubs in Wales. It was originally founded by Llewelyn Kenrick and later developed through a series of mergers, most notably becoming Cefn Druids in 1992 after the unification of Druids United and Cefn Albion. The team is known as “The Ancients” and traditionally plays in black and white striped kits, hosting home matches at The Rock stadium.
Historically, the club has played an important role in early Welsh football, with its predecessor Druids FC achieving significant success in the late 19th century. Druids were one of the founding clubs in Welsh football competitions and became one of the most successful early sides in the Welsh Cup, winning it multiple times. Cefn Druids as a modern entity continued this legacy by progressing through the Welsh football pyramid and establishing itself in national competitions.
In more recent decades, Cefn Druids has moved between the top tiers of Welsh football, including the Cymru Premier and Cymru North. The club reached notable milestones such as competing in the Welsh Cup final in the 2011–12 season and qualifying for European competition in the UEFA Europa League. Despite financial difficulties and periods of instability, including relegations and a temporary withdrawal from competition, the club has remained an important part of Welsh football culture and has continued to rebuild and participate in domestic leagues.
| Tournament | Count | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Cup | 8 | 1879-80 · 1880-81 · 1881-82 · 1884-85 · 1885-86 · 1897-98 · 1898-99 · 1903-04 |
| 6 | 1877-78 · 1882-83 · 1883-84 · 1899-00 · 1900-01 · 2011-12 |