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.”