#premierleaguekicks — Public Fediverse posts

Success of Celebration of Sport 2026

On Monday, May 18th, Bristol City Robins Foundation hosted its biggest event of the year, Celebration of Sport. The…
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SWANSEA: Ten kids from Llanelli and Blaenymaes flew to Mexico City to represent Wales — and came fifth in the world

Ten young people from Swansea flew to Mexico City last week and came home with a fifth-place finish at the Street Child World Cup — Wales’s first ever appearance at the tournament, and one that took 18 months of fundraising by the players themselves to make happen.

The boys team was drawn entirely from Swansea City AFC Foundation’s Premier League Kicks sessions in Llanelli and Blaenymaes — two of the programme’s community sites in south-west Wales that offer free football and personal development sessions to young people who might not otherwise have access to them.

The Street Child World Cup, organised by Street Child United, is not a conventional football tournament. It uses sport, art and advocacy to challenge the stigma faced by street-connected children and campaign for their rights — shining a spotlight on young people living in street situations and the fundamental rights they often lack. Alongside the football, participants took part in arts workshops and congress sessions focused on human rights, diversity and cultural understanding.

Wales entered two teams — the boys’ side from Swansea, and a girls’ team based in Blaenau Gwent. The boys finished fifth overall in their first appearance on the global stage.

What makes the achievement particularly striking is how the players got there. The young people selected from the Premier League Kicks sessions spent 18 months volunteering and fundraising to cover the costs of the trip themselves — a commitment that required sustained effort long before any of them set foot on a pitch in Mexico.

Thomas Williams, Head of Programmes at Swansea City AFC Foundation, said the experience had been everything the programme hoped it would be. “We are thrilled to be a part of the Street Child World Cup, offering deserving young people a once-in-a-lifetime experience to represent Wales and play football against teams from across the globe,” he said.

“Young people from our Premier League Kicks sites in Llanelli and Blaenymaes were selected and over the last 18 months have been volunteering to raise funds to cover the costs of the trip,” Williams added.

“The young people selected from our Premier League Kicks sessions demonstrated tremendous commitment throughout the journey, spending 18 months fundraising to help make the trip possible. We could not be prouder of everything they achieved both on and off the pitch.”

The Premier League Kicks programme operates across Swansea City Foundation’s community sites, offering free sessions to young people in areas where access to sport and structured activities can be limited. For many of those who took part in the Mexico trip, it will have been their first time travelling internationally.

Wales’s debut appearance at the Street Child World Cup ended with a fifth-place finish — a result that, given it was the nation’s first ever entry in the tournament, represents a remarkable start for a programme built not on elite talent but on community, commitment and opportunity.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea City Foundation news from Swansea Bay News
All our coverage of the Foundation’s community work across south-west Wales.

Premier League Kicks news from Swansea Bay News
Our coverage of the Premier League Kicks programme in Swansea and Llanelli.

Blaenymaes PCSO honoured at South Wales Police annual awards

PCSO Stephen Evans received the Community Award, sponsored by the Police and Crime Commissioner, for his work building trust in one of Swansea’s most deprived neighbourhoods.

Championing youth outreach

PCSO Evans was instrumental in bringing the Premier League Kicks programme to Blaenymaes — a youth outreach initiative run by Swansea City AFC Foundation that uses football to engage young people and reduce offending.

Every Thursday evening, dozens of children take part in free football sessions at the local multi‑use games area, watched by parents who might once have been wary of police. The project has become a safe space for families to come together, with Evans often on the touchline talking to residents and encouraging youngsters.

According to South Wales Police, Evans has also worked closely with local schools to break down barriers. Teachers report that children now draw pictures of him when asked what they want to be when they grow up — a sign of the trust he has built.

A familiar face in Blaenymaes

Known for his hands‑on approach, Evans is said to know “everyone’s name” in the community and has even altered his shifts to support residents when needed. His award citation praised him as “a real advocate for young people” who ensures their voices are heard.

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael said the awards highlighted “the extraordinary commitment of officers and staff who go above and beyond to serve their communities.”

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