NEWFA HISTORY

In the mid 1960's the Football Association of Wales made a decision to pass some of the work they did on to the Area Football Associations. The FAW staff in those days consisted of the Secretary and 3 clerks and such was the growth of the game that they couldn't cope.

At that time there were 5 Area Associations in Wales but not one serving the area of North East Wales. As a result North East Wales Football Association was formed with constitution, rules and boundary defined in order that it could be operational for the 1968/69 season.

The work delegated at that time by FAW was disciplinary procedures and recruitment, registration and training of referees. A little later the coaching of players and coaches was handed over although the various award courses are still under the auspices of the FAW.

All Clubs, Leagues and Associations in the area have to affiliate to NEWFA who oversee the Rules of those Leagues not directly affiliated to the F A of Wales and act as the appeal body in relation to any decisions taken by those Leagues.

Initially there was a strong link between NEWFA and the Wrexham Rural District Council (no longer in existence). Meetings were held in their Council Chambers at the Imperial Buildings in Regent Street, Wrexham (again no longer in existence), the first Secretary was employed by them, the first President was their Clerk and they donated the Challenge Cup which is still competed for today. At that time the Council of the Association consisted of representatives from the Welsh National League (Wrexham Area). Wrexham & District Schools F A, Wrexham & District Referees' Association (now North East Wales Referees' Association) and members elected by member clubs.

In the early 1970's representatives from the Wrexham & District Sunday League, Wrexham & District Youth League and South Clwyd Sunday League (now defunct) were admitted to Council. Other Leagues to enjoy brief representation on Council were the Penyffordd & District Youth League and the Bala & District Junior League both of which are now defunct.

Following the use of the Imperial Buildings meetings were held at various venues on a rotational basis until the 80's when the Mineworkers Institute in Grosvenor Road, Wrexham became the home of the Association. That was the venue for some time until a switch was made to Brymbo Sports Complex in the late 1990's. This is now the venue for all Council and Committee meetings.