Risca Utd AFC
The club came into being after the war in 1946 when a few local sides UNITED to form the new club. They initially played in the Monmouthshire Senior Football League where after early success they joined the Welsh Football League during the early 1950s. The playing in the second division for some years before having to drop back into County Football due to financial reasons.
In the summer of 1965 the club almost disbanded but was taken over at the 11th hour by local Newport & District Football League club Fernlea who actually shared Ty-Isaf Park with the senior club. For a few seasons the new Risca United struggled in the lower reaches of the first division of the Monmouthshire Senior League but always managed to avoid relegation. Gradually the club strengthened on and off the field and began its Golden Era in the early 1970s. During that decade The Cuckoos strung together an incredible thirteen honours including three consecutive League and Cup doubles, three championships, and were Challenge Cup Winners for five consecutive seasons. The three consecutive League & Cup doubles had never been achieved previously and was recognized by the League when they presented the club with a one off trophy that proudly sits in the trophy cabinet. In those days the club used the nearby Masons Arms as its headquarters and some great times were had there celebrating the yearly achievements. The Golden Era continued into the 1980s as more silverware was added including the Gwent Senior Cup, The Gwent Amateur Cup and yet another League and Cup double in 1988/89 besides twice being League runners-up and runners up twice in the Amateur Cup.
Due to these achievements the club wanted to fulfill its motto Progress and re-joined the Welsh Football League in 1990/91. They were 3rd Division runners-up that season and then spent a few seasons in the second division before again winning promotion in 1994/95. Risca United then had two seasons in the top division of the Welsh League before slipping back down through the divisions to where they are at the present. In 1995 The Cuckoos reached the 4th round of the Welsh Cup and played at Ninian Park against Cardiff City in front of 1,200 spectators. For an hour the score was 0-0 but eventually the Bluebirds ran out 4-0 winners.
In 2001 the club amalgamated with local junior club Gelli United in order to ensure that there was a strong youth policy in place, the two clubs have now evolved into one club with football provided for juniors right through to senior level so the club has now reverted to its original name. Risca were again on BBC Wales TV who filmed their historic 2-1 defeat of Barry Town at Jenner Park; at that time Barry were the Welsh Cup Holders and Champions of the Welsh Premier League.
The club presently use the Risca Workingmans Club as its headquarters from where its two senior teams and under 19s enjoy the hospitality. The club has remained very ambitious and is presently in negotiation with Caerphilly County Borough Council to secure a lease in order to develop Ty-Isaf Park under a long term agreement. Last season the ground was completely enclosed and further development work is presently being carried out.
