The University of South Wales (USW) is working in partnership with Street Football Wales, a charity that uses the power of football to support individuals facing social exclusion.
Street Football Wales holds football sessions across Wales for people from all walks of life. Including those who face challenges such as mental health issues, addiction, homelessness, or social isolation.
The collaboration, which involves USW students and colleagues actively participating in Street Football Wales sessions, is helping to break down barriers and foster greater understanding of real-world social issues.
Jamie Grundy, Director of Street Football Wales, explained how the charity creates a welcoming and accessible space for those who may struggle to join mainstream football clubs.
“Anyone can attend the football sessions, that we put on, but we especially support people to attend who are socially excluded for various reasons, such as, addiction, mental health challenges, or simply not having a permanent address,” said Jamie.
“With mainstream football clubs, you often need a fixed address to register with them. However, many of our players are living in hostels or temporary accommodation, which makes it impossible for them to join those clubs.”
The partnership with USW has introduced a new dimension to the charity’s work. Weekly football sessions are held at USW’s Sport Park, with students and colleagues volunteering and engaging directly with players.
Lyn Jehu, USW Lecturer in Community Football Development, organised the initiative after recognising the potential for meaningful collaboration.
“My interest in Street Football Wales came from both community and academic perspectives,” Lyn explained.
“I teach a module called ‘Football in Society’, which focuses on barriers to playing football. Having a real-life example like Street Football Wales helps my students to see these issues first-hand and understand the positive impact football can have on people’s lives.”
The partnership has already shown tangible benefits for both students and players. Students are not only volunteering at sessions but also incorporating their experiences into their academic work.
Lyn said; “Working with Street Football Wales has had a transformative effect on some of my students’ perspectives. They come in thinking football is all about elite performance and data analysis. Working with Street Football Wales has helped them to see that coaching is about making a real difference to the person in front of you. It’s about building connections and improving lives.”
USW graduate, Chloe Black, is a coach with Street Football Wales. She said: “Working with Street Football Wales to create an inclusive environment is incredibly rewarding. No matter what their background is, everyone comes together to play football. We don’t even keep score because there doesn’t need a be a winning team. Just enjoyment of the game.”
The work of Street Football Wales extends beyond local sessions. The charity is also a partner for the Homeless World Cup.
“In 2023, some of our players competed at the Homeless World Cup in California. To take someone from living in a hostel in Merthyr to competing on a global stage is incredible,” said Jamie.
Lyn sees even more potential for the future, with plans for joint research into the social impact of Street Football Wales. He also hopes to organise a Street Football Wales tournament at USW’s Sport Park, with the aim of raising awareness and attracting wider support.
“This is exactly the kind of meaningful, community-based outreach that USW excels at,” Lyn added. “We have the facilities, the expertise, and the drive to make a real difference, and this partnership is proof of that.”
