Tramore AFC

History

Tramore AFC was founded in 1952 by a small group of determined soccer followers. However we have to acknowledge the existence of some earlier soccer clubs such as Tramore Celtic 1926 and Tramore Rookies 1929. In our book The History of Tramore AFC we have included some detailed information to the worthy exploits of these two predecessors of ours!

The first steps are always the most difficult for a new club and just like a newborn baby, teething troubles become apparent at an early stage, but the men of 1952 were a very resolute bunch who were firm believers on the old saying that ‘persistence always beats disappointments'. The fact that the club is still in existence since its formation in 1952, having celebrated its Golden Jubilee year in 2002, is proof positive that all the succeeding officers and committee members were extremely good nursemaids and must have possessed a fair measure of the steely determination exhibited by our founding fathers in 1952.

We have learnt, through experience of setbacks, mingled with success that you need showers as well as sunshine to make a rainbow. Some 30 years ago we were at a crossroads when a field of our own seemed just a dream, but we were not content to leave it in dreamland - we went out and made that dream a reality. We haven't yet reached the end of the rainbow road (will we ever?) and so haven't found that ‘crock of gold' but there are nuggets to be found along the way - Graun Park - our Home - is one and this website highlights many other glistening diamonds in the form of League Titles, Cups and International Caps - the Premier League, won in 2002, was 24 carat! - as was the Munster Youth Cup which was won in 2006.

The Tramore Club in the Community is certainly playing its part for the greater benefit of society in the area.

From fielding 1 team in 1952, season 2007/2008 will see us enter 18 teams - schoolboy/schoolgirl, junior and ladies teams - in the various association leagues.

That participation in soccer makes a positive contribution to fitness, health and well being but, more importantly, it is now regarded as having wider reaching benefits, including the developments of social skills, self-esteem and leadership qualities.

Tramore statistically is the fastest growing town in the South East and as we look to the future we must not rest on what has been achieved to date. At this stage (in our 55^th year) facilities comprise of 2 playing pitches with floodlights recently installed on our main pitch, a floodlit all-weather training pitch, 4 changing rooms, a spacious kit and storage roof, a fitted out office, treatment room, referees room with private shower facility, separate ladies and gents and invalid toilets, an upstairs facility complete with fitted kitchen, committee room and gymnasium. A state of the art defibrillator is also installed in the clubhouse in case of emergency.

The club recently purchased a new cylinder mower which enables us to maintain the pitch to the standards that are recognised as the best in Waterford.

We are very proud of what we have accomplished but we must continue to develop and improve both our organisation and facilities to meet the demands and expectations of our ever expanding community. The club over the next few years will strive to provide additional and improved facilities and become a football ‘Centre of Excellence'.