Fochriw

Words: Andy Evans

Images: Andy Evans

In a day and age of all-seater stadia and plastic seats, thankfully many grassroots grounds remain untouched in Wales. Situated in South Wales, around five miles from Merthyr, you can find the pitch at Fochriw known locally as Ice Station Zebra.

A venue not for the faint hearted, despite rubbing in the Deep Heat, the cold at Fochriw can chill a player to the bone, especially when the rain and mist roll in.

Wild ponies and sheep who graze on the commons and nearby moors are known to invade the pitch in the village surrounded by the stories of the coal mining industry.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Fochriw Walfare.

Football has been played on the pitch by several teams in the community including Fochriw Rising Sun, Fochriw Village FC and Fochriw AFC.

Currently, the ground is the temporary home of Gilfach FC but going back many decades, there were boy’s clubs and YMCA teams who played the beautiful game in the village.

Visiting a ground such as Fochriw Welfare is always good for the soul, and if you pop you can park up in the nearby community centre and enjoy a fantastic walk to the nearby Parc Cwm Darran and the nearby lake. 

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Fochriw Walfare.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Fochriw Walfare.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Fochriw Walfare.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Fochriw Walfare.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Fochriw Walfare.

©Andy Evans/ Terrace Edition. Fochriw Walfare.

You can find Andy on Twitter and Instagram: @wscevans