Formation of Crusaders A.F.C.

Crusaders football club evolved from a "one off" challenge match arranged between two cousins,Ian Gilchrist of Cwmfelinfach and Roger Davies of Cwmcarn.

The game took place on 26th December 1963 (Boxing day) at Abercarn Welfare Grounds. From this insignificant beginnings Doug Gilchrist and Charlie Crabb founded Crusaders and Ray Davies and George Crabb founded Cwmcarn.

Interest grew with other areas becoming involved and on the 25th August 1964 a meeting was held in the "Corner Cafe" at Crosskeys, attending were D.Gilchrist(Crusaders), D Watkins (Ynysddu Bluebirds), R Davies (Cwmcarn) and Ifor Davies (Risca).

It was agreed that a Junior Football League be formed and from these humble beginnings, the Crosskeys Junior League was founded.The rapid development of the League is in itself a fascinating story of the rapid growth of junior football in the Sirhowy and Western Valleys, and was the foundation on which todays "Islwyn Youth League" was developed.