A group of young footballers from Blaenau Gwent are preparing to represent Wales on the world stage as they head to Mexico City for the Street Child World Cup.
The girls’ team, made up of 10 players aged between 14 and 17, will take part in the global event organised by Street Child United, which combines football with creativity and youth-led advocacy.
In the final days before departure, the team has been supported by the local community, with well-wishers celebrating both their sporting success and the powerful message they will carry with them that every child deserves a voice, a team and a future.
The players have spent months preparing for the trip, raising an impressive £37,000 through sponsorship and fundraising events, including a mountain challenge.
Youth and Community Worker and team coach Lucy Hill said:
“After a full year since the initial selection process, it’s hard to believe we are now just days away from travelling to Mexico for the Street Child World Cup. The journey these girls have been on has been nothing short of incredible, and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.
To see their growth, resilience, and commitment over the past year has been truly inspiring. This opportunity means so much – not just for the girls individually, but for all of us as a team. We’re not only representing a small borough like Blaenau Gwent, but we’re also carrying the pride of Wales onto a global stage.
I feel incredibly privileged to be part of this journey with them, and I can’t wait to see what they achieve in Mexico.”
During their time in Mexico City, the team will take part in a full programme of activities as part of the Street Child World Cup, including competitive football matches against teams from around the world, a Festival of Arts where young people share stories and culture, and a youth-led International Congress giving participants the chance to speak about issues affecting children and young people globally.
They will also take part in cultural exchange activities, experiencing life and community in Mexico City while connecting with peers from different backgrounds.
The experience is designed to build confidence, leadership and lifelong skills, while amplifying young people’s voices on an international stage.
Team member Lilly-May York said:
“We’ve worked so hard to get here and now it feels real. We’re excited, nervous and incredibly proud. This is something we’ll remember forever, and we’re determined to give it everything – on and off the pitch.”
The team representing Blaenau Gwent are Sienna-Mae Cripps, Darcy Gallier-Morgan, Lexi Hamer, Emily Brown, Ayva Batkin, Alexandra Carpe, Peyton Ayears, Ruby Jarett, Lilly-May York and Phoebe Lane.
The girls and their coaches are set to leave for Mexico next Tuesday, May 5.
The team’s journey has been made possible thanks to the support of sponsors and the wider community, including Tai Calon Community Housing, Travis Perkins, the FAW, South Wales Police Federation, Abertillery BG RFC, Navmoore (Learn with Laura), Willis Construction, Stocktonville / Circle of Youth, Oakstreet Taxis, Valley Plumbing Supplies, Valleys Waste, KA Carpentry, Nails by Fran, and Emily Brown’s grandmother.
