“A Touch Far Vetched!” began as an idea way back in 2004; despite the success of previous Swansea City fanzines which included Jackplug, Jackanory and Black Swan, Swans fans had not had a fanzine as an alternative/compliment to the official match day programme for several years.

The growth of the internet had maybe to a degree rendered fanzines redundant but it was felt that with the Swans looking forward to an exciting future in a new stadium the fancies would appreciate and accept the concept of a new fan magazine.

A working group of 15 people, led by Phil Sumbler and Nigel Davies, was formed and contributions invited from the fan base to piece together the first fanzine to commemorate the Swans leaving the Vetch Field. 

The initial edition went on sale before the Cambridge United game at the Vetch on April 2nd 2005 and “A Touch Far Vetched!” was officially born!

Much has changed in the decade since that inaugural issue; original editor Phil Sumbler stepped down after the first two issues to take up the position of Swansea City Supporters Trust Chairman, and his deputy Nigel Davies stepped up to assume editorial control – a position he still occupies today.

Contributors have come and gone whilst regular columns and features have been spawned and replaced as the seasons have gone by. And all the while “A Touch Far Vetched!” has grown bigger with the print magazine joined by a growing Facebook Page, an influential Twitter account, a convenient mobile App plus fledgling Pinterest and Instagram accounts for those extra graphical goodies.

But there are two things that have remained constant since the very issue rolled off the press…the cover price of just £1 and the donation of all subsequent proceeds to youth development at Swansea City FC and local charitable causes within the Swans’ catchment area.

“A Touch Far Vetched!” always has been, and always will be, a non-profit making publication.

We have three main fundraising campaigns:-

Ackers for Adams – we are committed to raising £1,000 per season for Dave Adams and Nigel Rees at SCFC to help fund youth development, the bulk of support going towards equipment for the club’s growing stable of Development Centres. These Centres do not draw money from the Premier League millions and rely on the charges levied on the parents of those children that attend – therefore our donation plays a practical part in keep those costs down

Kits 4 School-kids (K4S) – It’s tough times for our schools these days and so “A Touch Far Vetched!” is engaged in supplying free kit and equipment to those schools most in need, Whether it’s a bag of footballs your school needs or a set of multi-purpose sports tops, we’ll look to fund the purchase and follow up with free copies of each issue that can be sold by parents and staff to raise additional funds for hard-pressed PE budgets

Community Chest Initiative – “A Touch Far Vetched!” has a long history of helping local charitable causes as well as the Children’s Wards in there city’s Morriston Hospital. To date we’ve raised more than £30,000 and this money has been used to buy toys and special needs equipment for the hospital as well as helping Francesca’s Footsteps and the Marlie Grace Roberts Appeal fund vital life changing operations for two beautiful little girls. “A Touch Far Vetched!” is also a massive supporter of Maggie’s and will continue to raise vital funds for this extraordinary resource for cancer patients and their loved ones.

That’s what “A Touch Far Vetched!” is all about – so please keep buying, keep reading, and keep supporting the oldest, the biggest and the BEST Swans fanzine around.