SFW to face Wales’ National Fans Team!
We are delighted to announce we will be facing Wales’ National Fans Team on November 13th!
The fixture will be held at Merthyr Town FC’s Penydarren Park as a celebration of Wales’ qualification for the World Cup in Qatar.
We’re hugely grateful to Wales’ National Fans Team for participating and are hugely excited for the event.
Entry for the fixture will be free of charge, with donations being taken on the day to support us in our aim of tackling homelessness through football.
Project Manager, Scott Jeynes, commented: “We’re really excited to be facing Wales’ Fans Team. It will mark our first 11-a-side event and will be a great occasion. We’re looking forward to the event and hope for a great turnout.”
Wales Manager Neil Dymock, said: “The Wales Supporters Team are really excited to be playing the Street Football Wales Team in what will be our World Cup warm-up game in readiness for our games against fans from other countries in Qatar.
“It will also be our first match since we reached our 20th anniversary, after playing our first game in September 2002 and will be the 118th game in our history.
“It will be a great occasion, just eight days before Wales finally reach the World Cup, after a wait of 64 years, and we look forward to seeing first hand the excellent work Street Football Wales do to make our country a better place for all.”
Anne-Marie | MY STORY
Anne-Marie has been a valuable part of Street Football Wales since joining in 2021.
With a vast improvement clear in her ability on the pitch, through football, she has also grown off it and is two years sober.
Looking back at her time with SFW so far, Anne-Marie recalls her first session.
“Street Football Wales was recommended to me in a recovery meeting and they explained to me the benefits I would get from it. I thought I would give it a try.
“I always remember my first session for feeling like a kid again and feeling alive. When I was playing football and meeting the other players, I wasn’t thinking at all about life problems.
“My happy memories from childhood came back and it was really refreshing. I remember finding it quite hard and challenging because I hadn’t played street football before, but the fact that it was difficult made me motivated to improve.”
Since her first session, Anne-Marie has become fully immersed in the SFW family and is a valued member in training.
She explained that the organisation have been hugely welcoming since she joined.
“Everyone welcomed me with open arms and I felt part of the team straight away. I didn’t really know what I was doing in my first session, but the staff and the other players all supported me through it.
“It’s such a relaxed and informal environment where everyone gets along really well, so even if you make a mistake or you’re not playing well, you still have the support of everyone there.
“It’s become the highlight of my week and has been for the last year. I look forward to training in the days leading up to it and always leave feeling happier than I did walking in.”
One of Street Football Wales’ aims is to not only help players on the pitch, but off it as well.
Anne-Marie expressed that joining SFW has definitely helped with life outside of football.
“It’s helped me to understand other people’s needs and sensitive issues. When you’re part of a team, you realise how important other people are and not to be selfish, so I’ve taken that into general life.
“I’ve massively grown in confidence since joining, not just with football but socially as well. That’s definitely thanks to the support from the staff and all the other players.
“I think my attitude has changed as well, because I’m much more driven and motivated to improve now.”
Marc Williams | MY STORY
Having impressed during the early stages of his Wrexham career, the world seemed to be at Marc Williams’ feet.
However, a series of unfortunate injuries led to a gambling addiction, which spiralled out of control and severely affected his mental health.
Fast forward to now and the Llandudno attacker is now thriving, having taken the step to receive the help he needed.
Williams candidly shares his story of growing up around gambling and reaching his lowest point.
“I had always grown up around gambling,” he began. “Living on the seaside, I was always in arcades. As a family, we had traditions like the Grand National, having scratch cards at Christmas; I always had a pack of cards on me, playing double or nothing in the playground, so from a relatively young age, it was an environment that I enjoyed.
“When I left school in the hope of becoming a professional footballer, I was instantly involved in the betting culture in sport, it was everywhere. The first-team lads at Wrexham would have the horseracing on, we’d always have sweepstakes, I’d put accumulators on, but it was done socially and it was something I enjoyed.
“It developed then when my wages increased. I’d start gambling more with bigger stakes. Rather than just on the weekend, it was two or three times a week and I came across things like roulette and black jack.
“At the age of 20, my career was taking shape. I was playing for Wales’ U21s with the likes of Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey, I had the biggest purple patch of my career at Wrexham that year. I lived in this big adrenaline rush of scoring winning goals.
“There was a lot of interest from Championship and League One clubs in January, but I stayed at Wrexham, where my wages was three times what I was earning beforehand.”
Having been prolific for Wrexham at the beginning of the 2008/09 season, Williams as rewarded with a new contract at the club.
However, the striker explained that his wage hike and injuries led to further issues with gambling.
“Unfortunately, four weeks after signing on the dotted line, I broke my fifth metatarsal. It was like a crash back to reality. I was alone, bored, wasn’t around the lads and that adrenaline of matchday and scoring winning goals wasn’t there. I didn’t really know how to cope with it.
“I started gambling more then and the money was there because of the new contract. I was gambling bigger money, it wasn’t a case of £20, it was £100 on each bet. It was filling the void at the time, but it escalated out of hand.
“When I got back fit, I now had this addiction where I wanted to be gambling all the time, as opposed to playing. I felt comfortable in the gambling world, away from the criticism I was receiving that I wasn’t the same player as before my injury. My career just faded away before my eyes.
“It was pathological where all I wanted to do was gamble. I didn’t want to be around anyone, isolated myself from family, friends and neglected my little daughter when she was born.”
Prior to seeking help for his gambling addiction, Williams vividly recalls reaching his lowest point.
“It was the last time I placed a bet, November 7th, 2018. I had accumulated so much debt at this point and I was in a really dark place. I had become a monster, I was extremely angry, treated my parents really badly and neglected my daughter.
“That particular week, I couldn’t pay off the debt, the credit cards, the payday loans and I had spent that much money that I had to do something drastic, otherwise my secret would come out. I got my last payday loan of £10,000 and lost that in 40 minutes.
“I remember screaming, throwing my iPad, dropped down to the floor and crying my eyes out. My daughter crawled over and she was wiping my cheek. I think I then realised how gorgeous she actually was, I hadn’t paid attention because I was that fixated on gambling.
“I thought that I wasn’t only ruining my own life, so I needed help to be a better dad and a better person. Three days later, I was in a support group.
“Now, my life in four years has completely changed. I never thought I’d be here, where I am and how I feel today. That’s just come from getting help and having a good recovery community.”
Street Football Wales aims to offer opportunities for people who have been socially isolated and excluded, providing an open, inclusive and safe environment to come and play football.
With a vast number of our players expressing the benefits since joining, Williams believes football has the ability to change lives.
“In my experience, through addiction, I isolated myself and spent a lot of time on my own, so having that support network is key. Being active is a massive tick for your mental health, being around people, making friendships and having a laugh.
“Building that bond through football, there’s no better feeling than being part of something and feeling worthy. That side of what sport can bring makes you feel like you are something, because if you have struggled, anything that you’ve gone through, you feel lonely in those moments, but when you’re accepted and you’re enjoying it, there’s no better feeling than that.”
With drop-in sessions in Rhyl, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, Haverfordwest and Cardiff, Street Football Wales offers a safe space all over Wales to anyone struggling in society.
Having been through gambling addiction and mental health issues, coming out the other side and rebuilding his life, Williams highlighted the importance of seeking support.
“The hardest thing to do is admit that you’re not in a good place. For me, I was so embarrassed of how I’d treated people and what I’d become. There’s nothing harder than saying that you’ve got it wrong.
“But, once you get the help, you do things that are going to improve your mental health. Being active, having people around you and talking more, what it can do is massive.
“It’s important that people speak out and get help, but secondly, get involved in what you’re doing because it will be beneficial in the long term to enjoy life and feel like that are worth something.”
To register to our programme at Street Football Wales: click here.
MY STORY | Tati
From starting with Street Football Wales to being picked for the National Team, it’s been a great year of street football for Tati.
Hailing from Pembrokeshire, she attends the sessions in Haverfordwest and has quickly made an impression.
Tati recalls the early stages of her time with Street Football Wales.
“I heard about the new sessions offered in Haverfordwest, thought it sounded good so I gave it a go. I felt a bit nervous about going initially but it was good.
“It was chilled and fun. I remember thinking that the team were really welcoming and getting player of the week made me return the following week.”
Since joining Street Football Wales, Tati has grown both on and off the pitch.
With the help of the staff and volunteers in Haverfordwest, she expressed that she has valued the experience highly.
“I’ve really enjoyed the sessions, it’s good to be a part of a team that everyone gets along and nobody judges each other. It’s nice to play against and with the boys because it’s more competitive, but in a nice way.
“It’s good to meet new people that I would never meet usually, we have a really strong bond as a team and I always look forward to a Wednesday session. I think it’s amazing that there is a range of people from all ages, backgrounds and abilities that just play football together and have fun.
Street Football Wales aims to help players off the pitch as well as on it, developing them as characters.
“It’s definitely helped me. I’ve met some really nice people that I wouldn’t have met before. We’ve become good friends as a result of the sessions, it’s just nice to see everyone and have a kick about.
“It gives me a reason to get up, get out and play sport, which I love. It’s given me more confidence and opportunities I never thought I would have.
“It has boosted my confidence, encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and see/speak to new people. It’s also encouraged me to try new things, branch out and take opportunities that come my way. I’m usually shy and reserved, but not so much anymore.”
Street Football Wales welcome Loren Dykes to National Team training
Street Football Wales were delighted to welcome Loren Dykes to National Team training on Monday.
The former Wales international observed the session, whilst giving her insight and knowledge to our players and coaching staff.
Dykes has been hugely supportive of the work at Street Football Wales and has been an invaluable asset to the organisation.
Ahead of the international tournament in September, being able to welcome someone of Dykes’ pedigree gave the squad a big boost in their preparations.
Development Officer for our Women’s programme, Siân Cousins, expressed her delight at welcoming Loren to National Team training.
“It’s always a privilege having Loren come to our sessions. She brings a great energy and seeing the way she gets involved with the girls is great to watch.
“Her experience playing and coaching at a national level goes hand in hand with her being an amazing role model for the girls and one we are very lucky to have.”
MY STORY | Frankie
Frankie has been a breath of fresh air since joining our drop-in sessions in Merthyr Tydfil back in October 2021.
He came to his first session as a shy individual, but quickly became a key part of the group.
Growing in confidence both on and off the pitch, a highlight during his time at Street Football Wales so far was his performances in the Memorial Cup in Swansea earlier this year.
Frankie recalls how he first got involved with Street Football Wales.
“The Occupational Therapy team heard of Street Football Wales online and thought it would help me,” he began.
“They brought me to a session back in October and carried on bringing me for the next three months.
“After that, I wanted to carry on going to the sessions, so I now make my own way to training every week.
“I always enjoyed the sessions even though I’d not played regularly before. It was good to be exercising every week and everyone welcomed me, so I felt accepted.
“That’s why I wanted to carry on with Street Football Wales. Since then, I’ve been playing in tournaments against other areas and I’ve really enjoyed that.”
Since Frankie came to his first session, we’ve seen a growth in him both as a footballer and as a person.
Coming to training every week has had a big impact, he explained.
“Since starting with Street Football Wales, I feel more confident playing football because of training every week.
“The sessions aren’t too intense, they’re always enjoyable, so I feel like I’ve improved as a player. The coaches and other players welcomed me, so I feel comfortable at the sessions.
“I was a bit scared going to my first training session, but they make you feel part of a team. I used to be quite shy and reserved, but because of how comfortable the training sessions are, I don’t feel scared to speak with anyone at Street Football Wales.”
First SFW tournament held in North Wales area!
Street Football Wales were delighted to host our first North Wales invitational cup recently.
In another step in our project to bring street football to the local area, the tournament was a great success.
With some fantastic football being played, Bow FC came out on top, with DCC Homeless Prevention coming a close second.
As well as the collective performances, some individuals stood out, with Alicia earning the Player of the Tournament award and Craig netting the Goal of the Day.
After the success of our inaugural competition in North Wales, Street Football Wales are hugely keen for them to continue.
We hold weekly drop-in sessions every Thursday in Rhyl Leisure Centre from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
Commenting on the success of the day, North Wales development officer Morgan Roberts stated:
“I was really pleased with how the day went. There was some fantastic football on show and to see how the teams gelled with some playing street football for the first time was a huge positive.
“I’m really keen to continue these tournaments and continue the growth of Street Football Wales in the North Wales area.”
For more information about our drop-in sessions in North Wales, please contact Morgan Roberts: 07360615079
Street Football Wales team up with Mind Charity in North Wales
Street Football Wales are excited to be working with Gill Pullen, the representative of the Mind charity across North Wales!
Gill will be helping in our project to promote Street Football Wales in the local area.
With more players signing up, the organisation aims to offer opportunities for people who have been socially isolated and excluded, by providing an open, inclusive, and safe environment to come and play football, make friends, build self-confidence and to support them on their own personal journeys.
The Mind charity have done some fantastic work throughout Britain to support people through mental health issues.
Development Officer Morgan Roberts expressed his delight at having the charity’s support.
“We are delighted to be receiving support from a big charity like Mind. Similar to myself, Gill knows North Wales very well and to be working in cohesion with herself and Mind will certainly benefit Street Football Wales in the long term.”
Street Football Wales hold first session in North Wales
Street Football Wales were delighted to host the first drop-in session in North Wales las week!
Held in the Football Lab in Holywell, the session was a fantastic opportunity to see the facilities on offer to future players.
The organisation is massively excited to be working with the Football Lab in our aim to offer opportunities for people who have been socially isolated and excluded, by providing an open, inclusive, and safe environment to come and play football, make friends, build self-confidence and to support them on their own personal journeys.
In the coming weeks, Street Football Wales will continue to build on the project in North Wales and look forward to welcoming players to the Football Lab.
Sessions will be held weekly on Thursdays, from 1pm to 2.30pm.
After the first session, Development Officer for North Wales Morgan Roberts expressed the desire to build on the exciting project.
“It was a wonderful experience. My aim is to make Street Football Wales a focal point for North Wales and raise more awareness to individuals that we are here, willing to support and offer opportunities for people who have been socially isolated and excluded.”
Street Football North Wales has arrived
Street Football Wales are excited to be expanding our drop-in sessions to the North Wales area!
The sessions will offer opportunities for people who have been socially isolated and excluded, by providing an open, inclusive and safe environment to come and play football, make friends, build self-confidence and to support them on their own personal journeys.
We will hold our first drop-in session on March 17th, 2022, from 1pm to 2.30pm, at the Football Lab in Holywell.
The venue is easily accessible, and we are excited to welcome and embrace a variety of players to get involved.
Ahead of the first session, Development Officer for North Wales Morgan Roberts expressed that this is the start of an exciting project in North Wales.
“I really want this to be a success not just for Street Football but for North Wales as an area. There have not been many opportunities where a great charity like SFW have come as far as North Wales. I feel like this is a great opportunity for individuals who have been socially isolated and excluded, to come and play football, make friends and build self-confidence"
The Street Football Wales Cup and Plate event Cardiff 2022
Street Football Wales were delighted to host an inclusion cup at Gôl Centres in Cardiff this week.
There were two competitions running on the day to suit participants of all ability and to ensure an equal playing field, including the Street Football Wales Cup and the Street Football Wales Plate.
In the Cup competition, Merthyr #1 impressed, taking 21 points from their eight fixtures, setting up a final with Merthyr #2.
In a close encounter in the final, it was Merthyr #2 who came out on top, as they were crowned winners of the Street Football Wales Cup.
As for the Plate competition, both Swansea sides made an impression to reach the final, with Swansea #2 edging it in the final.
There were some brilliant individual performances, with the Player of the Tournament award going to Lee Bowen. Lee showed some individual brilliance along with good teamwork.
Between the sticks, Liam Mayfield was fantastic, earning the Golden Glove award. He commented: “Thank you for one of the best days of my life so far.”
Winning the Fair Play award were Vale Madrid, who, despite a difficult set of fixtures, added so much to the tournament.
After a brilliant turnout for the tournament, Project Manager Scott Jeynes expressed his delight at how the day went.
“I’m really pleased with the organisation of the tournament. The turnout has been fantastic, it’s great to see so many players here competing.
“We put on these tournaments every few months and the players always look forward to them. It’s a great chance for the players from the drop-in sessions to come together.
“There’s been some brilliant performances and a lot of players have made an impression, with a lot of new referees getting their first experiences as well, so it’s been a hugely positive tournament for all of us.”
Street Football Wales are delighted to be a part of the celebration for the National Lottery’s 27th birthday.
Street Football Wales are delighted to be a part of the celebration for the National Lottery’s 27th birthday.
The organisation was part of the National Lottery’s ‘CREATE’ installation at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, unveiled by 2021 Love Island winner Liam Reardon.
As well as Street Football Wales, ‘CREATE’ was inspired by three other incredible projects based in Wales: GS Artists Swansea, Pride Cymru and Cyfannol Women’s Aid.
We are one of 636,000 projects across the UK that are funded by the £30 million raised by National Lottery players for good causes.
Street Football Wales would like to issue our thanks to the National Lottery for their ongoing support and congratulate them on their 27th birthday.
Project Manager Scott Jeynes commented: “It’s great for our organisation to be a part of celebrating the National Lottery’s birthday with the ‘CREATE’ scheme.
“The National Lottery’s support has been great over the years to so many organisations like ourselves.
“We’d like to thank them for that support as we look to give a safe space for football.”
Street Football Wales were delighted to be invited for Wales’ clashes with Belarus and Belgium
Street Football Wales were delighted to be invited for Wales’ clashes with Belarus and Belgium at Cardiff City Stadium this week.
Project Manager Scott Jeynes, Development Officer Caitlin Thomas, along with supporters and clients of the organisation were in attendance.
Wales line up against Belgium 16/11/21
Both fixtures were fantastic experiences, as Wales secured second place in World Cup Qualifying Group E, meaning a seeded play-off spot.
Rob Page’s side recorded an emphatic 5-1 victory over Belarus, before a fantastic performance in a 1-1 draw with European giants Belgium.
Street Football Wales would like to extend our thanks to the Football Association of Wales for providing tickets to the organisation.
Debs Jenkins, a valuable asset to Street Football Wales, commented: “ A fab enjoyable evening being part of what we are passionate about. The game and the seats were memorable! Having this opportunity to watch a Welsh international shows the equality, compassion and the community within Welsh Football”
Volunteer Deb Jenkins before entering the CCFC Stadium
John Hartson attends SFW training session
Street Football Wales were delighted to welcome John Hartson and JOE Media to the session in Cardiff this week.
The former Wales international, who amassed 51 international caps, scoring 14 goals, observed the action and met the coaching staff, volunteers and players.
Hartson has a fantastic pedigree in football, having played for the likes of Arsenal, West Ham and Celtic.
The striker now regularly appears as a pundit for S4C, Sky Sports, Premier Sports TV and BT Sport.
Having someone of Hartson’s stature was a great experience and a boost for our players on another great drop-in session in the capital.
Project manager Scott Jeynes was thrilled to welcome Hartson to the session.
“It was fantastic to have John Hartson at the session in Cardiff to learn about Street Football Wales.
“John spoke to all players and was really engaged with what we do. The uplift the players received from having John there was priceless and was an example of how barriers can be broken.”
Development Officer Caitlin Thomas also expressed her delight at having someone of Hartson’s calibre in attendance.
“It was fantastic to have John at the session he really bought into the project and can see the importance of what we do.”
Street Football Wales were delighted to host a Memorial Cup, held in Pure Football Swansea.
The tournament was in memory of passed players, with coaches, volunteers and players all paying respect.
There were ten teams competing, with three teams from Swansea, three sides from Cardiff, two Merthyr Tydfil outfits, as well as a team from Newport and Soccerbility.
After a fantastic day of competition, Merthyr #1 were crowned Memorial Cup winners after a dramatic victory on penalties over Cardiff #2.
There were some brilliant individual performances that were rewarded, with the Golden Glove award going to Lauren Roper for her bravery between the sticks.
The Player of the Tournament award went to Sophie Brett, whose willingness to play for two Swansea teams epitomised what Street Football Wales is all about.
Finally, was the fair play award, which was awarded to Newport, who played their part in a hardly-fought competition.
Project Manager Scott Jeynes hailed the inaugural Memorial Cup in Swansea as a huge success.
“The tournament was a huge success, and we were really pleased to be able to bring so many players together since the pandemic to play football in memory of people who have passed. I was really proud all off who attended and played each game in the right spirit.”
Kyle Taylor top goal scorer for Swansea #1 was really proud to present the Daniel Taylor Award.
“Great day yesterday! I just wanted to say a big thanks to Street Football Wales for the opportunity to play in the Memorial Cup to remember all the players who have sadly passed away and also had the honour of presenting the player of the tournament award in remembrance of my best Mate Daniel Taylor, thank you so much”
Jay team manager for the runners up Cardiff #2 was really pleased to be back on the pitch with his street football friends.
“I would like to say a massive congratulations to Scott and the team from Street Football Wales. Great to see everybody yesterday for such a fantastic day.”
Street Football Wales’ female participants have been invited to attend Wales’ clash with Estonia next week by Wales centurion Loren Dykes MBE.
Dykes made 105 appearances for the National Team and is now Gemma Grainger’s assistant-manager.
The former international has been a fantastic asset to Street Football Wales during her playing career and post-retirement, offering her time to coach and support sessions.
Dykes has played a part in the organisation’s mission use football to create positive social change in Wales.
Continuing her support with the invite to the Cardiff City Stadium to watch Wales v Estonia, Dykes was full of praise for the work.
“I’ve seen the effect first-hand. People go away to the Homeless World Cup as shy individuals who are a little bit lost in their lives. It gives them something to look forward to, gives them a place where they can make friends.
“Street Football Wales can help in different avenues of their lives because I’ve seen people go on to have jobs. They stay involved and become referees or coaches because they love the game. It really can affect them not just on a mental level, but a physical and social level as well.”
Development Officer Caitlin Thomas coached the female side to a third-place finish in the Four Nations Challenge Cup in Edinburgh.
Street Football Wales are now excited to organise the Memorial Cup, held in Swansea, in memory of passed players, which will go ahead on 3 November.
Thomas issued her thanks to Dykes for the invitation to the Cardiff City Stadium and for her continued support.
“I would like to thank Loren Dykes for giving us this opportunity. The girls are really excited for the game, especially with it being the first time watching in a stadium for some.
“Loren has been such an asset to us and we always appreciate all her support.”
Loren Dykes on the progress of the Welsh Warriors and Dragons ahead of Edinburgh 21
Wales centurion Loren Dykes MBE has hailed the hard work of Street Football Wales ahead of the Four Nations Challenge Cup.
Dykes made 105 appearances for the National Team, scoring three times and is now Gemma Grainger’s assistant manager.
The right-back from Morriston has been a hugely valuable asset to Street Football Wales during her career, offering her time to coach sessions.
In attendance in the penultimate training session before travelling to Edinburgh for the tournament, Dykes was full of praise for the organisation’s work.
“I was asked during my time still playing for Wales and I thought what a great opportunity to go along to a great cause.
“I went once and just meeting everyone, hearing their stories was so humbling and inspiring that it made me want to go back and follow their journeys both individually and as a team. Just to see that transformation in the players, I absolutely love it.
“Not just the players, the staff and volunteers work so hard. The players stay involved and help the others because they’ve had such great experiences.
“It’s such a great organisation to be a part of. The more help they can get to support players, the more we can affect people.”
Street Football Wales’ mission is to use football to create positive social change in Wales.
The organisation offers opportunities for people who have been socially isolated and excluded, by providing an open, inclusive and safe environment to play football, make friends, build self-confidence and gain support.
Dykes expressed that the effects of the organisation have no ceiling.
“I’ve seen the effect first-hand. People go away to the Homeless World Cup as shy individuals who are a little bit lost in their lives. It gives them something to look forward to, gives them a place where they can make friends.
“Street Football Wales can help in different avenues of their lives because I’ve seen people go on to have jobs. They stay involved and become referees or coaches because they love the game. It really can affect them not just on a mental level, but a physical and social level as well.”
Devoting her life to football during her time at Llanelli Reds, Cardiff City, Bristol City and Wales, Dykes also feels that the game can play a huge part in offering support.
“It’s not just a game, it’s for everyone. I played football at a professional level and it can just be about winning games and results, but actually, football is for everyone and it brings people together at every level.
“I think it’s something to look forward to as players, coaches, volunteers. It really is something that becomes a family to you.”
The Four Nations Challenge Cup is being held in Edinburgh over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of September.
With the competition just around the corner, Dykes hailed the standard of the side’s preparation.
“It’s been fantastic. I’ve been to a few of the sessions now and I’ve always had a two-week gap in-between. I’ve been able to really see the difference.
“They look organised and look like a team. It’s fantastic to see. I can really see they look physically fitter and are more comfortable around each other.
“They’re talking much more; their confidence is growing and their skills have got better. I’m looking forward to seeing how they get on in Scotland!”
The Welsh Dragons train with Cardiff Met Under 19s ahead of Edinburgh 21
Street Football Wales continued our preparations for the inaugural Four Nations Challenge Cup with a training friendly against Cardiff Metropolitan University U19’s.
The competition takes place over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of September, leaving just four weeks left on the countdown.
Met, managed by first-team talisman Eliot Evans, posed a competitive opponent ahead of the tournament, providing the team with an invaluable workout and match experience.
The two sides competed in five seven-minute games, with Jordan Williams, Scott Chappell and Tyler Jenkins in the starting line-up, led out by new club captain Adam Davies.
The new skipper led by example in a goalless opening seven minutes, dictating play and defending well against an energetic Archers side.
Jordan in between the sticks also impressed, making several great saves to keep the scores level.
With Gareth Cooke and Thomas Jones introduced, along with Lloyd Jones in goal for the second game, the ‘keeper picked up where Jordan left off, making three key saves as we fell to a 1-0 loss.
In the third game, chances were being created with some positive interplay but were denied on several occasions by some brilliant saves from the Met goalkeeper.
The Archers left Lloyd with no chance as they added a second goal, but Scott responded immediately, firing home at the back post to claim a 1-1 draw.
With the starting line-up returning for the fourth contest, Tyler had the opportunity to level the aggregate score with a penalty, but the Archers ‘keeper again made the save.
Cardiff Met reacted quickest to the penalty stop and drove forward to clinically add their third goal.
In the final game, a line-up of Lloyd Jones, Adam Davies, Tyler Jenkins and Gareth Cooke saw Street Football Wales get back in the game.
‘Cookie’ was found in space by Lloyd to fire home on the half-volley, before being on-hand to score his second after Adam’s effort was saved.
In an invaluable, competitive workout, a 2-0 win in the final game saw the lads recorded one win, two draws and two losses, with an aggregate score of 3-3.
LINEUP: Jordan Williams (GK), Lloyd Jones (GK), Gareth Cooke, Scott Chappell, Adam Davies, Thomas Jones, Tyler Jenkins
GOALSCORERS: Scott Chappell, Gareth Cooke x2
Gareth Cooke commenting on his brace, “I’m over the moon. I didn’t think they would go in. It was a test for us. We’re not as fit as those young lads and they ran us around, but we enjoyed it. It’s very good preparation for us. With a bit of hard work and more practice, we stand a good chance of going a long way with this team.”
Adam Davies on being named captain, “I’m really happy with the captaincy. It’s a joy to play with these lads. It means a lot. Watching the boys play and train really hard, leading them out is a huge thing for me. I’m happy with how things are going at the moment, the fitness is there and we can only get better.”
The BootRoom partnership
Street Football Wales are enthused to have formed a formal partnership with The BootRoom who have agreed to support our football inclusion programme.
Through this new partnership we will be able to remove another barrier to participation by providing our players who are most in need with a pair of football boots.
The BootRoom was founded by Carl Bradley who aims to tackle clothing poverty in sport by hosting a community boot donation facility where families and individuals can have a pair of football boots that have been donated with no questions asked.
Carl is really passionate about social change and aims to remove as many barriers as possible when it comes to participating in sport. The BootRoom is a non-for-profit organisation and is run entirely by volunteers and donated sports kit.
If any players or volunteers at a Street Football Wales session is in urgent need of a pair of football boots to enable participation. Please contact us and we will work with The BootRoom to source a pair.
Scott (Project Manager) – “ This partnership with The BootRoom is essential for our development as a charity and enables us to remove as many barriers to participation as possible.
I recently visited Carl at the Community Boot Room in Briton Ferry where I witnessed first-hand the level of community support for the project and all of the hard work that goes in to making this possible. I look forward to working with Carl in the near future to tackle clothing poverty in sport”
Carl Bradley (The Bootroom founder) - “On finding out more about Street Football Wales our project The BootRoom broke down every barrier. One of the main reasons behind our partnership was both parties sing from the same sheet, to help so many people from all walks of life. I believe we are the perfect partnership.”
For more information follow The BootRoom on Facebook - The Boot Room | Facebook
Merthyr Tydfil Project
Street Football Wales are really excited to be teaming up with Merthyr Town FC, Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Game On to deliver our inclusion programme in Merthyr Tydfil. We are pleased to expand our delivery and positively impact upon more socially excluded individuals.
The programme will commence from Friday 30th April at 14:00pm and take place at Penydarren Park (Merthyr Town FC).
The programme will include free inclusive football drop-in training sessions delivered by our highly skilled FAW qualified coaches around an introduction to the Street Football game by providing fun, engaging and inclusive sessions.
Scott (Project Manager) “We are ecstatic to work with new partners and be able to deliver our services at Penydarren Park, I believe the project will be well received and benefit socially excluded and homeless individuals in Merthyr Tydfil, we aim to tackle social exclusion head on and provide these sessions free of charge to remove barriers to participation ”
Street Football Wales have also formed a partnership with The Boot Room who will donate football boots for players in need. If you are interested in attending but need a pair of football boots. Contact us directly and we can arrange these for you.
What our partners think of the new project
Ryan Jones (Coalfields Regeneration Trust) “Too many people in our Coalfield communities who could benefit from sport and physical activity don’t. The evidence is overwhelming, the biggest gains and the best value is found in supporting people and creating new opportunities for those who are least active. That's why Game On Wales and The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is delighted to be investing and supporting this new weekly Merthyr Street Football Wales
Robert Davies (Merthyr Town FC "The main purpose of our Community Foundation is to deliver a service that is recognised as successful in making a significant social impact; creating a positive attitude to life and providing opportunities for everyone, particularly the most hard-to-reach and hard-to-help members of our society. The partnership with Street Football, Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Game On Wales will certainly help to achieve this objective."
Start Date: 30/04/21 (every Friday)
When: 14:00pm – 15:30pm
Where: Merthyr Town FC, CF47 8RF
To sign up please follow the link to our player registration page where you can sign up for this session. https://www.streetfootballwales.com/play-football
Alternatively, contact us via the below methods to book a space:
Dm on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Txt, WhatsApp or call Scott – 07846849390 or Caitlin – 07832616848
Email – Scott@streetfootballwales.com Caitlin@streetfootballwales.com
*Players must wear football boots to participate. If you do not have suitable footwear we can provide footballs boots for you. However, you must contact us directly so we can arrange this for boots to be there on arrival.