FOOTBALL arrived in Bont in 1947 and has been the cornerstone of village life ever since.

The small village club has spent much of its existence in the Aberystwyth League, winning the championship in 1968.

The club remained in the familiar surroundings of the Aberystwyth League with unbroken membership of the local league for the next four decades.

However in 2009 the club won the league again and embarked on a brand new adventure by joining the newly established Mid Wales League Two.

The club held its own in their new surroundings for six years before relegation saw them return to the Aberystwyth League.

The club has since consolidated, winning the title and Newman Trophy though has faced problems in retaining players.

Spokesman Sion Jones said: "It does seem the lure and thrill to play football is no longer as strong as it was for young players and getting them involved is a weekly battle."

Throughout the club had the unstinting support of a small but staunchly loyal core of officials.

Ken Jones served the club for more than six decades until his passing two years ago while Arwyn Hughes also supported the club in all endeavours.

Meanwhile this month the club was rocked by the passing of Lloyd 'Dada' Thomas, a patriarch of the club since its inception.

Their legacy lives on in the form of chairman Richard 'Dicky Mint' Jones who serves the club in all number of roles alongside Arwyn Jones while committee members Rhian Jones and Glyndwr Owen have served the club for years.

Current manager Rhodri Morgans gave up a career as a referee to step in and fill the managerial vacancy and keep the club going.

Spokesman Sion Jones said: "The benefit we have as a club is the fantastic people we have doing so much work behind the scenes. These people are all vital in the running of the club and we extremely appreciative of their work.

"We think a majority of people who have played for Bont look back with a fondness and are pleased to be part of its history if its good or bad.

"The club has always put pride in being very welcoming to new players. We have always had a fantastic togetherness and a sort of underdog attitude that we as a club seem to thrive on."

However the club is gearing up for an exciting future with Aberystwyth Town legend Glyndwr Hughes joined by former Bont player Steve Hicks in its new management team for next season.

Jones said: "They will hopefully try and build a strong team to take on the league and try to bring some success back to this remarkable village club."