Family often plays a huge part in football, particularly when it comes to following a team. How many of us support the same team as a parent or close relative?

However, for one father-son duo in Wiltshire, the football connection became infinitely stronger last month, as both lined up in the same team that would go on to win the Wiltshire FA Sunday Cup.

Gerwyn and Ryan Griffiths both featured for Tidworth Town in the Sunday Cup final against FC Devizes United late in March, with Tidworth emerging 2-1 winners to lift the trophy. To add to the celebrations within the Griffiths household, Ryan would then go on to win the Wilshire Senior Cup, sponsored by iPro, with Downton FC, before the pair once again would play for Tidworth in the victorious team that lifted the Open Cup final at the end of April. 

With a further final and the league still up for grabs, there’s a possibility that the Griffiths could be celebrating a five-trophy season come the end of the year.

It’s the latest chapter of a lifetime story for both Gerwyn and Ryan, who have united for Tidworth Town this season having enjoyed a fantastic journey in the game together.

For Gerwyn, who started playing in Wales and progressed to the FAW Centre of Excellence and Wales Regional Squad, before joining the Army at 16. Playing in both the Army U21 and senior sides, Gerwyn also started coaching while serving, and continues to play for the Army Masters team today. 

Ryan, meanwhile, started playing with Tidworth Town Youth, with Gerwyn coaching the team. He also spent some time playing in the Olympiacos academy while both were based in Cyprus. Ryan’s hard work and talent quickly progressed him to the Wiltshire Regional Talent Centre, earning a place in the academy at Yeovil Town. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ryan has played for the Wales Regional Squad and national team. Ryan made the move into senior football with Oxford United at 16, having been released by Yeovil, and would go on to score over 40 goals for Andover Town to attract interest from Portsmouth and Forest Green Rovers who invited him for trials.

The first time that Gerwyn and Ryan shared the pitch was in the 2022/23 season, as Ryan appeared for Tidworth Town alongside Andover. Ryan watched as his dad won the cup final last term; Gerwyn scoring twice in a 4-2 victory over AFC Mannington, before Tidworth lifted the Andover & District League title and two more cups.

In addition to playing in the same team, Ryan is now also following in his father’s footsteps by taking the jump into coaching. Completing his courses, Ryan is also providing a role-model figure for young players at Wiltshire RTC who hope to follow a similar journey to his.

“Among my football highlights are the unforgettable moments of synergy with my son on the pitch,” says Gerwyn.

“They’re reminiscent of our cherished ‘back garden’ sessions from Ryan’s early years. The moments symbolise our shared love of the game, but also the bond forged through countless hours of living and breathing football together.”

Through the love of the game, there are almost certainly more memories to be created by Gerwyn and Ryan.