Cheers and pride filled the Metropole Theatre in Abertillery last night as °Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ Youth Service officially unveiled its Girlsâ Football Team set to represent Wales at the Street Child World Cup in Mexico City next year.
The event, hosted by the Youth Service, introduced the 10 remarkable young women, aged 14 to 17, who have been selected to take part in the international tournament organised by Street Child United. The evening brought together families, supporters, local leaders and representatives to celebrate the teamâs journey and the powerful message behind the campaign âevery child deserves a voice, a team, and a future.â
âThis is more than footballâitâs about empowerment, equality, and giving young people the platform they deserve,â says Cllr Sue Edmunds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families. âThese girls are ambassadors for °Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ and for childrenâs rights around the world.â
The Street Child World Cup combines sport, art, and advocacy, giving young people from a variety of backgrounds the chance to shine on a global stage. The °Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ team will not only compete in football matches but also participate in a festival of arts and a youth-led Congress focused on childrenâs rights.
During the launch, the team shared their hopes, dreams, and plans to fundraise for the journey ahead. Football Association Wales is providing sponsorship of £5,000 but the team is looking for more sponsorship opportunities. If you are interested, please contact Kristian Gay at kiristian.gay@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or call 07412 614067.
Team Member Lilly-May York says: âThis is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. Weâre proud, weâre ready, and we canât wait to represent our community in Mexico City.â
A big supporter and mentor for the team is Neville Southall, former Wales and Everton goalkeeper, who works for °Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ Council as a Sports, Health & Wellbeing Employability Ambassador.
He says: âIâm absolutely delighted that °Ĵ²ĉAĈĴ Youth Service has managed to win a place in the Street Child world cup in Mexico City, itâs the first time I think that a female team from Wales has got to a world cup! For the 10 girls and staff it will be an unbelievable experience and history making for our area and country. The team must raise some of the money, so any donations are welcome, and there are sponsorship opportunities so get on board with our history making girls.â
The team who will compete are:
Sienna- Mae Cripps
Darcy Gallier-Morgan
Lexi Hamer
Emily Brown
Ayva Batkin
Alexandra Carpe
Peyton Ayears
Ruby Jarett
Lilly-May York
Phoebe Lane
Photos: Seren Friel