Glenfield Rovers A.F.C.
Formed in 1960 as Chelsea FC (after the Chelsea Sugar Refinery where team members worked), the crest of Glenfield Rovers AFC, has taken several forms over the years, albeit focusing on the same basic elements.
When the club moved to its current home ground of McFetridge Park in 1963, its facilities allowed it to apply for Northern League status. However, Northern League rules would not allow the club to be called Chelsea FC (as a Chelsea FC already existed in England) and so the it was renamed, Glenfield Rovers AFC. The club made its Northern League debut two years later in 1965 and became Premier Division champions for the first time in 2002.
Research into the history of the club crest reveals that the lion and football are original elements and have been ever-present on the evolving logo.
The football represents the sport played by the club, but there is still debate about the what the lion represents and where it came from. It could be that it was originally taken from the crest of Chelsea FC in England (which uses a lion in a different pose). Alternatively it may have originated from an early Chelsea Sugar Company logo (representing the refinery where the original players worked). Research is continuing in an attempt to clear up this matter.
The letters "GR A.F.C" were added to the crest in 1997. These are the initial letters of the current full club name.
Thanks to Glenn Read, Manager - Club Operations at Glenfield Rovers AFC, for the above crest and information.
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