The Cambrian United Warriors Walking Football Team is one of the most vibrant, fast‑growing, and community‑centred walking football groups in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Before the Warriors wore the Cambrian badge, the journey began with a small idea and a big ambition.
What started as the Wannabe Warriors a local walking football group built from scratch has evolved into a thriving, competitive, and proudly affiliated part of Cambrian United FC.
From Wannabe Warriors to Cambrian United Warriors
The story began in early 2024 when founder Nick recognised a gap in the local community: there were no accessible walking football sessions for adults who wanted both social and competitive football outside work hours. With support from Sport RCT, the Wannabe Warriors launched with a simple mission — to create a welcoming, inclusive space where adults could rediscover football, improve fitness, build friendships, and, if they wished, keep that competitive edge alive.
In the early stages of the journey, Ely Valley Miners Sports Park played an important role in giving the group a place to grow. The support and availability of the venue helped the Wannabe Warriors establish their identity, build consistency, and create the welcoming environment that players still value today. The Warriors remain grateful for the part Ely Valley played in the beginning of their story.
Sport RCT provided governance support, equipment, and early guidance, helping the group get off the ground. The first sessions attracted 12 players, and the momentum grew quickly.
By May 2026, the group had outgrown its original identity. The Wannabe Warriors officially partnered with Cambrian FC, becoming the Cambrian United Warriors Walking Football Team a major step forward that connected the team to one of the region’s most respected football clubs.
A Flying Start Under the Cambrian Badge
The first official session as Cambrian United Warriors on 14 May 2026 saw an incredible 20 players turn up, with three more recovering from injury. The atmosphere was electric a sign that something special was forming. These numbers now attend every week, showing the strength and consistency of the group.
The Warriors now run two weekly sessions:
- Thursdays, 7–9pm – Cambrian FC 3G Pitch
- Sundays, 10–11am – Ely Valley Community Sports Park
The welcome is open, warm, and genuine — whether you’re returning to football, trying it for the first time, or simply looking for a supportive group to be part of.
⭐ Highlights: From Wannabe Warriors to Warriors of Cambrian
Before joining Cambrian FC, the Wannabe Warriors had already built a strong reputation across Wales not just for results on the pitch and giving the best teams a run for their money, but for the positive impact the group had on its players.
Feedback gathered through Sport RCT’s wellbeing questionnaires showed just how meaningful the sessions had become. Players consistently reported feeling happier, more active, more confident, and more connected to their community. Many returned to football after years away, and several described the group as a lifeline.
“It’s the highlight of my week.”
“I’ve made new friends and feel part of something again.”
“I’m fitter, more confident, and I look forward to every session.”
“I hadn’t played football in years now I can’t imagine not coming.”
“The welcome was unbelievable. I felt included from day one.”
These voices shaped the identity of the Warriors long before the Cambrian badge was added.
Tournament Highlights
- Winners – 2025 Barry Walking Football Festival
- Winners – 2025 Cwmbran Summer Tournament
- WWFF Premiership Participation
Other Key Highlights
- Represented Wales as one of only three Welsh teams at the Anglo‑Saxon Tournament at Solihull Moors FC
- Regular friendlies and competitive fixtures across South Wales
- Formation of three squads: Under 50s, Over 50s, Over 60s
- Consistent top‑tier performances in regional festivals and events
- Strong reputation for sportsmanship, organisation, and community spirit
- Positive wellbeing outcomes across the group, including:
- increased physical activity
- improved confidence
- reduced isolation
- strong sense of belonging
- enjoyment of structured, well‑run sessions
These highlights reflect not only what the Warriors have achieved, but what the club stands for: community, inclusion, and the joy of playing football at any age.
Growth, Community & Impact
The Warriors’ growth has been remarkable:
- From 12 players to 45 registered members
- Two weekly sessions across two venues
- Multiple competitive squads
- Affiliation with the Welsh Walking Football Federation
- Accredited by RCT Sport two years running
- Participation in major community events including:
- Newtown MIND charity event
- Cwmbran 12‑hour Walking Football Prostate Cancer Awareness Event
Community Partnerships & Support
As the club continues to expand, support from local partners is essential to help fund:
- Team kit
- Equipment
- Tournament entry fees
- Travel to fixtures across Wales and England
- Community outreach
- Venue hire
- Development of new age‑group squads
Supporting the Warriors means supporting a well‑established, active, and community‑focused walking football club with a growing presence across South Wales.
The Warriors:
- Compete in multiple leagues and tournaments
- Represent Cambrian FC across South Wales, the Midlands, and beyond
- Attend charity events, raising awareness for causes like prostate cancer and mental health
- Have three squads competing regularly
- Are growing fast, with new players joining every month
- Have a strong social media presence
- Are known for their professionalism, organisation, and community spirit
This is a club with reach, visibility, and heart — a team that reflects the best of community sport.
A Community Built on Belonging
The Warriors aren’t just a team — they’re a family.
From post‑session laughs to supporting each other through injuries, from celebrating milestones to welcoming new faces every week, the culture is built on inclusion, encouragement, and togetherness.
Now proudly part of Cambrian FC, the Warriors are focused on continued growth and deeper community integration. The club looks forward to welcoming new players from across Cambrian FC and the wider local community, ensuring everyone has a place to play, belong, and enjoy the game at their own pace.
50s Captain’s view – Rich Sterry
“Making the decision to come and join the Warriors from an established team was definitely a Carlsberg moment. I was welcomed from the first session and it felt like this is where I belong, especially as I didn’t know anyone apart from the gaffer, Nick. There was an instant camaraderie between everyone.”
“And there still is today if not even more as we get bigger and stronger with every game. The banter is unreal. If you’re feeling down when you arrive at training, you certainly aren’t when you leave. The lads just seem to know how we all tick.”
“The best moment for me personally was being made captain of our 50s team when we joined the league. In our first season we just missed out on the play‑off finals by 1 point. Gutted, but proud of what this team achieved in our first year.”
Under‑50s Captain’s view – Gareth Lewis
“Ever since I joined I was made to feel very welcome. Training sessions are always a good night — some more intense than others, but always good.”
“Since entering the league in our age group, it was exciting to feel like I could play competitive football again. I’ve felt proud to become captain and feel like I have the backing of the boys. We’re learning and improving together every week.”
“I’d love to lead us to winning trophies down the line. The club as a whole is fantastic to be part of, and no matter what the age group, we all want each other to succeed.”
What’s Coming Up for the Warriors
Alongside our regular weekly sessions, the next few months are packed with fixtures, tournaments, and community events across all age groups — a clear sign of the Warriors’ ambition and momentum as part of Cambrian FC.
June 2026
- 14 June – 50s & 60s Prostate Cancer Event – Llantarnam Community Primary School
- 25 June – Over 60s vs Caldicot – Cambrian United FC
- 28 June – The Sunday Session – Ely Valley Community Sports Park
- 28 June – U50s League (Confirmed) – Neath Sports Centre
July 2026
- 5 July – Over 50s vs Caldicot – Ely Valley Community Sports Park
- 9 July – Warriors vs Bettws Blues – Cambrian United FC
- 19 July – 50s League Day 2 – Neath Sports Centre
- 19 July – 60s League Day 2 – Neath Sports Centre
August 2026
- 1 August – Anglo Saxon Tournament (50s) – Shrewsbury College
- 1 August – Anglo Saxon Tournament (60s) – Shrewsbury College
- 15 August – Over 50s Caldicot Tournament – Caldicot Leisure Centre
- 15 August – Over 60s Caldicot Tournament – Caldicot Leisure Centre
- 23 August – Cwmbran Summer Tournament (40s, 50s, 60s) – Llantarnam Community Primary School
September 2026
- 13 September – 50s League Day 3 – Neath Sports Centre
- 13 September – 60s League Day 3 – Neath Sports Centre
- 20 September – U50s League – Venue TBC
- 27 September – U50s League – Venue TBC
These fixtures reflect the Warriors’ commitment to offering competitive and social football opportunities for all ages, all year round.
Join the Warriors
New players are welcome all year round. Just turn up, have a chat, and get involved no pressure, no expectations, just football at your pace.
Training Times
- Thursdays 7–9pm – Cambrian FC 3G
- Sundays 10–11am – Ely Valley Miners Sports Park
Interested in supporting the Warriors? Please contact Nick at Cambrian United Warriors FC via the club website, or via the teams official facebook page to discuss partnership opportunities.
A warm welcome awaits.
