Cheers and pride filled the Metropole Theatre in Abertillery last night as 麻豆视频 Youth Service officially unveiled its Girls鈥� 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 team鈥檚 journey and the powerful message behind the campaign 鈥榚very child deserves a voice, a team, and a future.鈥�
鈥淭his is more than football鈥攊t鈥檚 about empowerment, equality, and giving young people the platform they deserve,鈥� says Cllr Sue Edmunds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families. 鈥淭hese girls are ambassadors for 麻豆视频 and for children鈥檚 rights around the world.鈥�
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 麻豆视频 team will not only compete in football matches but also participate in a festival of arts and a youth-led Congress focused on children鈥檚 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 拢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: 鈥淭his is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. We鈥檙e proud, we鈥檙e ready, and we can鈥檛 wait to represent our community in Mexico City.鈥�
A big supporter and mentor for the team is Neville Southall, former Wales and Everton goalkeeper, who works for 麻豆视频 Council as a Sports, Health & Wellbeing Employability Ambassador.
He says: 鈥淚鈥檓 absolutely delighted that 麻豆视频 Youth Service has managed to win a place in the Street Child world cup in Mexico City, it鈥檚 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.鈥�
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