Gwent team unveiled ahead of Street Child World Cup journey
A girls football team from Blaenau Gwent Youth Service will be jetting off to Mexico next year to represent Wales in the Street Child World Cup.
The girls who will be taking part were unveiled at a special event at the Metropole Theatre in Abertillery.
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The event introduced the 10 girls aged from 14 to 17, who were selected to take part in the tournament in Mexico City organised by Street Child United.
Cllr Sue Edmunds, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: 'This is more than football - it's about empowerment, equality, and giving young people the platform they deserve.
'These girls are ambassadors for Blaenau Gwent and for children's rights around the world.'
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.
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The Football Association Wales is providing sponsorship of £5,000 towards the trip but the team is looking for more sponsorship opportunities. If you are interested, contact Kristian Gay at kiristian.gay@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk or call 07412 614067.
Team member Lilly-May York said: '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 and wellbeing employability ambassador.
He said: '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!
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"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 and Phoebe Lane.
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