Swansea City A.F.C: A Century of Highs and Lows
- therookiereporters
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Founded in 1912, Swansea City A.F.C. has been at the heart of Welsh football for over a century. From humble beginnings and early cup success to Premier League glory and modern-day revival, the club's journey has been filled with pride, passion, and resilience. Now competing in the EFL Championship and co-owned by Croatian legend Luka Modrić, Swansea’s story continues to evolve.
A Dominant Debut
The club, originally known as Swansea Town, wasted no time making its mark. In their first season, they won the Welsh Cup - an early signal that this was no ordinary new team. The victory not only gave Swansea its first major honour, but also rallied the city behind a shared dream.
In 1920, just eight years after forming, Swansea joined the English Football League, entering the Third Division South. It was a bold step into national competition, and a signal of ambition that would shape the club’s future.
Stepping Up
Like many clubs, Swansea had to rebuild after World War II. Players had left, resources were stretched, but football returned as a beacon of hope. The late 1940s and early '50s saw packed crowds at the Vetch Field and spirited performances in the FA Cup. While silverware was scarce, the club’s identity was solidified: hardworking, honest, and deeply connected to its community.
Saved by the Whistle: 2003
By 2003, Swansea faced their lowest point - on the verge of dropping out of the Football League. A final-day must-win match against Hull City ended in a 4–2 victory, securing their league status and saving the club from a potential collapse. It was a defining moment of survival, with fans and players alike showing the heart that had always been part of Swansea’s DNA.
New Stadium, New Start: 2005
Two years later, the club moved from the beloved, but ageing, Vetch Field to the modern Liberty Stadium. The move represented a fresh start and a step into the future. The new ground brought in larger crowds and gave the club a more professional, ambitious platform to build from.
League Upgrade
In 2011, Swansea made history as the first Welsh club to reach the Premier League. Their promotion through the Championship playoffs culminated in a 4–2 win over Reading at Wembley. Unlike many promoted teams, Swansea didn’t just aim to survive, they played stylish, possession-based football that earned them respect and admiration.
The pinnacle came in 2013, when they won the League Cup with a stunning 5–0 win over Bradford City at Wembley. Managed by Michael Laudrup and powered by stars like Michu and Nathan Dyer, the Swans lifted their first major English trophy.
Devastating Relegation
The team’s glory soon faded. By 2018, after seven seasons in the top flight, the club was relegated. Poor recruitment and constant managerial changes had taken their toll.
Big News
In 2025, Luka Modrić became a co–owner of the club. The news shocked everyone but also excited fans around the world Having a football legend connected to Swansea gave the club a fresh wave of attention and hope.
With solid young players, a passionate fan base and new ownership with big ideas Swansea City are once again dreaming big. The journey for this team isn’t over yet.
Written by Grace Lambert
