Dafen community mourns loss of former footballer and local hero Glan Letheren

Today (6th June), Dafen Welfare CC issued a statement announcing the passing of former player, captain and team manager Glan Letheren, a dedicated, life member of the Dafen AFC whose contributions to the team as well as his coaching and meaningful impact on the football club were nothing short of outstanding.

The Dafen community have been dealt a significant blow and Glan will be sorely missed by all those who loved and appreciated him.

‘Glan was Dafen’ the tweet reads, signifying the regard that Glan was held in, not just by the club, but his community, friends and most importantly, his family. He was a strong advocate for supporting youth in football and supported the younger members at the FC. He used his celebrity status first and foremost to raise money for the AFC by hosting fundraiser events and dinners. He was a proactive member of the FC and made every effort to ensure the FC was well equipped and well looked after.

A look back at Glan’s career

Glan was first and foremost a Dafen boy, born in the village of Dafen in Llanelli, and at the age of just 15 he was playing in the Welsh league for his hometown club.

While playing for his local club, he was scouted and introduced to Leeds United. He joined another player from Llanelli, Byron Stevenson who also passed away in recent years. From there, Glan built up his career playing for the national team after wowing them with his performance in the youth tournaments. He was signed on for a two-year contract at Leeds, from there he played so well that he was an instant hero among the Leeds fans. He was also a successful cricketer in the South Wales Cricket Association, playing mainly for Dafen Welfare CC, as a medium pace bowler and middle order batsman.

Glan eventually moved out on loan and had spells at Chelsea, Scunthorpe and Notts County, he won caps at under 21 and under 23 level but he could not find his way to the Leeds first team.

Glan was disappointed when he left Leeds but he had the chance to go to Chesterfield in December 1977 and he wanted first team football.

Glan enjoyed his time at Chesterfield and that was followed by a spell at Swansea. He went on to play for Oxford City, Scarborough and Bangor City playing at Wembley in the FA Trophy final.

Some time after retiring from playing, Glan took the route into coaching and was involved in the Welsh FA’s development plan after earning his UEFA pro licence.

‘Glan was Dafen’

In 2023, Glan was diagnosed with cancer, but the support he received was astronomical. Leeds United rallied behind Glan, creating a donation campaign for Glan’s treatment. He had all the love and support from his family as well as from the Dafen community. He was a true sportsman and an inspiration to all who met him. His contributions to the Dafen team over the years meant a great deal to the community, and they returned the favour by supporting him through his difficult battle against cancer. His passing has shaken the Dafen community and his presence at both the Cricket club and the Football club will be sorely missed by all.