Thomas (1832–1878) was born in Ynysddu, taking his bardic name Islwyn (meaning below the grove) from the parish of Mynyddislwyn, itself named after the mountain which towers over the village. His two best-known poems are both entitled "Yr Ystorm" ("The Storm"); one is a long philosophic poem over 9,000 lines long. Singer Ricky Valance (real name David Spencer) was born here. Scott Morgan, sports shooter, born 1990; Olympic Trap Shooting (Shotgun) Jackie Barnett, who lived in Ynysddu from the age of two, represented Wales at two Commonwealth Games and also played netball for Wales. Education Ynysddu Primary School is located in the town; its headmaster was David Witchell. Sport and leisure Ynysddu Rugby Club is a member of the Welsh Rugby Union and is a feeder club for the Newport Gwent Dragons. The first Ynysddu game recorded was in 1894 against Abercarn, and was played in the church field at Mynyddislwyn. Ynysddu originally played in an all-black strip, but now play in Black and Red. Association Football in Ynysddu began in 1905, with the launch of Ynysddu Albion AFC. The club then changed its name to Ynysddu Crusaders AFC in 1915, and existed until the outbreak of WWII in 1939, when it disbanded. The two local wartime clubs, Ynysddu Celtic and Cwmfelinfach Rangers, then merged at the end of WWII in 1945/6 to become Ynysddu Welfare AFC. Following the formal amalgamation of Ynysddu Welfare AFC and Crusaders Seniors AFC in 2008, (the latter having superseded Cwmfelinfach Colts AFC in 2003), the club then became Ynysddu Crusaders FC until the summer of 2013 when the club renamed themselves Ynysddu Welfare FC. They are affiliated to the Gwent County Football Association and are members of the Gwent Premier League (Tier 4 level in the FAW National Pyramid System), with the reserve team playing in the North Gwent Football League. Club Colours are gold and black. They play their home games at the Nine Mile Point Miners' Welfare Ground at Graig View, which they share with Ynysddu RFC. Nearby is the Sirhowy Valley Country Park. The Ynys Hywel Activity Centre, located there, offers adventure activities such as abseiling, canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, orienteering and hill-walking. The Ynysddu Hotel is located in the village. References External links Ynysddu RFC Ynysddu Welfare FC Photos of Ynysddu and surrounding area on geograph.org.uk Villages in Caerphilly County Borough Populated places established in the 19th century Communities