After over 90 years in existence, officials of Saundersfoot AFC have announced the sad news that the club has folded due to ‘dwindling’ player numbers, and a lack of people willing to step forward to run the club behind the scenes.

“It’s with great regret and sadness that we have to confirm we have withdrawn from the Pembrokeshire League with immediate effect,” stated Saundersfoot AFC spokesperson Richard ‘Wally’ Walwyn on Sunday (July 12).

“This decision hasn’t been taken lightly as there has been a team in Saundersfoot for over 90 years. But with this pandemic happening and dwindling numbers over the last couple of seasons, it had to be done.

Richard went onto say that sadly it was not just a case of trying to ‘fill 11 shirts on a Saturday’ - the decision had also come down to a lack of people in place to run the club efficiently.

“It’s always left to a couple of people to organise and run the club and has been like this for 10 years,” he continued.

“It’s too much for one or two persons. Circumstances change and people who have managed to keep the club going the last few seasons no longer have the time to do all they have done in the past; and with a severe lack of people willing to step forward and take on the organising and admin stuff there is no option.

“The club has come first for many years over personal lives for those behind the scenes. It is unsustainable to ask that any longer.

“I’d like to thank all the players that have worn the shirt with pride for your services and it’s been a pleasure to have you here. Thanks to all the coaches and managers we’ve had over the years, without you none of this would have happened.

“To all the generous kit sponsors we’ve had, thank you for your contribution so we can play in the best kit in Pembrokeshire.

“Finally you the fans. The ones who came to cheer us on even if we were getting smashed by Hakin or going on a record 17 game unbeaten run. You made the difference and everyone appreciated it. Thank you Saundersfoot, it’s been a blast!” he added.

It’s not the first time that a beloved local football club has folded, and then bounced back, with a similar scenario unfolding at Tenby AFC back in 2017, when the Seasiders’ management team announced that both senior sides had officially been withdrawn from the Pembrokeshire football league due to a lack of players.

After one season out of the picture, Tenby AFC’s first team reformed and enjoyed a successful season back in the Pembrokeshire League, winning Division Five, finishing unbeaten.