Cheers and pride filled the Metropole Theatre in Abertillery this week as Blaenau Gwent Youth Service officially unveiled its Girls’ Football Team set to represent Wales at the Street Child World Cup in Mexico City next year.
The event, hosted by the Youth Service, introduced the 10 remarkable young women, aged 14 to 17, who have been selected to take part in the international tournament organised by Street Child United. The evening brought together families, supporters, local leaders and representatives to celebrate the team’s journey and the powerful message behind the campaign ‘every child deserves a voice, a team, and a future.’
“This is more than football—it’s about empowerment, equality, and giving young people the platform they deserve,” says Cllr Sue Edmunds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families. “These girls are ambassadors for Blaenau Gwent and for children’s rights around the world.”
The Street Child World Cup combines sport, art, and advocacy, giving young people from a variety of backgrounds the chance to shine on a global stage. The Blaenau Gwent team will not only compete in football matches but also participate in a festival of arts and a youth-led Congress focused on children’s rights.
During the launch, the team shared their hopes, dreams, and plans to fundraise for the journey ahead. Football Association Wales is providing sponsorship of £5,000 but the team is looking for more sponsorship opportunities. If you are interested, please contact Kristian Gay at [email protected] or call 07412 614067.
Team Member Lilly-May York says: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us. We’re proud, we’re ready, and we can’t wait to represent our community in Mexico City.”
A big supporter and mentor for the team is Neville Southall, former Wales and Everton goalkeeper, who works for Blaenau Gwent Council as a Sports, Health & Wellbeing Employability Ambassador.
He says: “I’m absolutely delighted that Blaenau Gwent Youth Service has managed to win a place in the Street Child world cup in Mexico City, it’s the first time I think that a female team from Wales has got to a world cup! For the 10 girls and staff it will be an unbelievable experience and history making for our area and country. The team must raise some of the money, so any donations are welcome, and there are sponsorship opportunities so get on board with our history making girls.”
The team who will compete are:
Sienna- Mae Cripps
Darcy Gallier-Morgan
Lexi Hamer
Emily Brown
Ayva Batkin
Alexandra Carpe
Peyton Ayears
Ruby Jarett
Lilly-May York
Phoebe Lane
