Latest news with #freestylefootball
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Campaign shines light on women and girls in football
Shannon Ghee is backing the campaign (Image: Powerleague Cardiff) A new campaign is shining a light on women and girls in football. Powerleague Cardiff has launched She's Got Game in response to research showing that 46 per cent of women and girls in the UK have felt judged or excluded for wanting to play football. Advertisement The initiative aims to celebrate, support, and promote female players across Wales and the UK. Christian Rose, CEO of Powerleague, said: "This survey confirms what we've long believed, that women and girls in Cardiff and across the UK are not only passionate about football, but ready to play. "Yet too many still face barriers that simply shouldn't exist. "At Powerleague, we're committed to breaking those down by creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive, no matter their background or ability. "Football should be for everyone, and we're proud to be part of the movement making that a reality." Advertisement The campaign also includes a competition inviting women and girls to share their football skills and favourite moments. Entrants will receive a free off-peak five-a-side pitch voucher and the chance to win one-to-one coaching with freestyle footballer Shannon Ghee. Powerleague Cardiff will also screen live matches throughout the UEFA Women's Euros, offering fans a safe place to gather while encouraging new audiences to take part in the game. Shannon Ghee said: "Football has given me confidence, community, and so much joy, and I want every girl and woman to feel that too. "She's Got Game is about celebrating skill, creativity, and passion, no matter your level. Advertisement "Whether you're just starting out or have been playing for years, this is your moment to have fun, and show the world what you've got. "I encourage everyone across Cardiff to have a go at a trick, or share their favourite football bit, this summer."
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Freestyle footballer from Wales wins international award
A 12-year-old boy has received an international award for his freestyle football skills after teaching himself at home. James was named rising star of freestyle at the MadJam international championships in Madrid in April - going up against competitors who had received professional took up the sport just 18 months ago and has managed to break two Guinness World records within that mum, Yvonne Taylor, said he trained every day and watched YouTube videos as a source of inspiration, describing his self-motivation as "really impressive". However, it came at a price during his initial practice sessions - with a number of damaged ornaments from balls being kicked around the home in Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan."After smashing a few things, she might have got a bit annoyed but she never really told me to stop," James told BBC Radio Wales' Breakfast."We've learned from that," his mum added."There are no more breakables in the house." James was one of the youngest involved at the competition, but went head to head with international players. Yvonne described the stage as his happy place and said he loved it while "he keeps pushing boundaries". "Typically he watches videos and copies them, finds new moves online and thinks of new moves himself," she added. James has always enjoyed watching skilful players, such as the likes of Argentine great Diego Maradona, but Yvonne said the family were not initially aware freestyle was a sport itself."There is no training available here," said Yvonne, adding that freestyle is typically popular in France, Spain and the Netherlands. But she said some great freestylers were from Wales, including 25-time Guinness World Record holder Ash Randall from Cardiff and "keepy-uppy king" Abbas Farid from Newport. In 2023, James was invited to a Cardiff City v Norwich City match to complete a Guinness World Record for the most shoulder rolls in a minute - completing 77 and breaking the previous record by is due to compete in more events this year, including Amsterdam, and James said he also wanted "to break more Guinness World Records".
