The stock of spare kits was increased in the summer of 1982 when the Swifts got an offer of two sets of shirts from Francis Rafferty who was a Representative of the world famous Adidas sportswear firm. The shirts were actually discontinued Nottingham Forest away replica jerseys which accounted for their knock down price of £3.50. They were made of shiny polyester and coloured Yellow with Blue “V” necks and cuffs and had three Blue Adidas stripes on the sleeves, which were short in length, another first for the Swifts.

Being replica jerseys, they had the Forest logo printed on their chest which had to be covered over. This was achieved by the new badges the Swifts introduced. These were designed by Paul Barr and roughly based on the Leeds United “smiley” badge of that period. The design has passed the test of time as it is still in use to this day.

Having short sleeves, these shirts were only used occasionally during warmer weather and although they remained in good condition, some shirts faded at a faster rate than others. One set was eventually donated to the Ladies team while the other set was donated to a local Boys Brigade team.
Having become the first side to retain a Down Area League Championship, it appeared that the Swifts would dominate the competition for some years. Unfortunately the heady days of the early eighties as regards major trophy success were never to be repeated. This was not immediately obvious for, despite the loss of many players to “B” Division and Amateur League Clubs, the Swifts were able to maintain their high league standing, finishing runners-up to Castle United, Roadhouse Royals and Tudor Rangers respectively in each of the following three seasons.

1982/83 saw the Swifts being allocated one of the two new pitches which had been laid out by Enterprise Ulster at the Valentine Playing Fields. Pitch No.5 had been the Swifts’ long time home ground but the new Pitch No.9 had a much better environment, being closely situated to the dressing rooms and car park.

Unfortunately, the initial fine appearance of this pitch has proved to be deceptive as the ground keeps forcing stones and other objects to the surface and many players have suffered badly gashed knees over the years as a result.

In 1982/83 the Club started a 3rd.XI which they hoped would act as a nursery to the senior side. With the lst .XI unable to mount an effective challenge to Castle United in the 1st Division, the spotlight fell on the 2nd.XI who were in the running for promotion from the 2nd Division.