SAVE OUR SEASON

Street Football Wales (SFW), a national lifeline for marginalized individuals across the country, has launched an emergency "Save Our Season" campaign to raise £15,000 by the end of April. Due to critical cash flow issues, the organisation’s weekly leagues and support services for those experiencing homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health challenges are at risk of immediate closure.

Street Football Wales is more than just football sessions; it provides a consistent, safe space for over 400 people across North, South, and West Wales who face social isolation or exclusion. For many participants, these weekly sessions are the only stable fixture in their lives.

As the official partner for the Homeless World Cup, SFW provides Welsh players with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their country on the international stage. Selection for Team Wales is far more than a sporting achievement; it is a reward for personal growth, resilience, and a commitment to change. By taking individuals who have been marginalised by society and placing them in a global spotlight, SFW proves that a player’s past does not define their potential. The program restores visibility and dignity to those who are often made to feel invisible.

Beth Thomas, Interim Director of Street Football Wales, said:

"We are at a breaking point. Street Football Wales isn’t just about a kickabout; it’s a lifeline. We aren't just bibs and goals; we’re rebuilding lives. If we don't reach our £15,000 target by the end of April, we risk losing the very community that keeps our players safe, healthy, and seen. We are calling on the Welsh public and our supporters to help us keep the lights on so we can continue putting players from the fringes of society at the heart of the world stage."

The organisation’s work acts as a vital frontline preventative service, reducing strain on the Welsh public purse and frontline services by improving the physical and mental wellbeing of its players. Participants are significantly more likely to engage with housing support and find stable employment through the radical sense of belonging fostered by SFW.

Former Homeless World Cup player & coach Wayne Ellaway said: “Before street football Wales, my life hadn't gotten quite a plan. I was living in a homeless hostel in Cardiff I was excluded from society. I was a bit lost in life. I started coming to sessions and kept coming back and was then picked for the tournament. The Homeless World Cup was that was the absolute pinnacle of my life. It's important for other people  in Wales to get the opportunity to play in Homeless World Cup. If you are excluded or suffer from mental health or any exclusion from society the sessions good place to come along, get a bit of confidence. You don't have to play football. You come and have a cup of coffee, a chat, a pie. It’s a great environment to come and just be you.“

Welsh supporters are urged to donate immediately via the official Crowdfunder link to ensure these essential services can continue through April and beyond. Donors are also encouraged to share their support on social media using the "Season Supporter" graphic to encourage others to join the effort.