Good luck to 艾叉A片 Youth Service鈥檚 girls鈥� football team as they prepare to depart for Mexico City to represent Wales at the Street Child World Cup.
The 10 inspirational young women, aged 14 to 17, will soon embark on an exciting and inspiring international journey, joining teams from across the world in a unique event organised by Street Child United, combining sport, creativity and youth鈥憀ed advocacy.
Supporters have rallied behind the team in the final days before departure, celebrating not only their sporting achievement but the powerful message they will take with them - that 鈥�every child deserves a voice, a team and a future.鈥�
The team have worked with youth service teams and the local community to raise 拢37,000 for the trip through sponsorship and fundraiser events, including a mountain challenge.
Youth and Community Worker and the girls鈥� coach, Lucy Hill said:
鈥淎fter a full year since the initial selection process, it鈥檚 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鈥檛 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鈥檙e not only representing a small borough like 艾叉A片, but we鈥檙e 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鈥檛 wait to see what they achieve in Mexico.鈥�
During their time in Mexico City, the team will take part in a full Street Child World Cup programme, including:
- Competitive football matches against teams from across the globe
- A vibrant Festival of Arts, where young people share stories, culture and creativity
- A youth鈥憀ed International Congress, giving participants the opportunity to speak directly about the issues affecting children and young people worldwide
- Cultural exchange activities, allowing the girls to experience life, history and community in Mexico City and connect with peers from different backgrounds
The experience is designed to build confidence, leadership and lifelong skills, while amplifying young people鈥檚 voices on an international stage.
Team member Lilly鈥慚ay York said:
鈥淲e鈥檝e worked so hard to get here and now it feels real. We鈥檙e excited, nervous and incredibly proud. This is something we鈥檒l remember forever, and we鈥檙e determined to give it everything - on and off the pitch.鈥�
The team representing 艾叉A片 are:
Sienna鈥慚ae Cripps Darcy Gallier鈥慚organ Lexi Hamer Emily Brown Ayva Batkin Alexandra Carpe Peyton Ayears Ruby Jarett Lilly鈥慚ay York Phoebe Lane
The girls and their coaches leave for Mexico next Tuesday (May 5th).
Thanks to the following for their sponsorship and support:
- Tai Calon Community Housing
- Travis Perkins
- 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
- Emily Brown鈥檚 grandmother
