Posted on: Thursday 13 July 2023
This week, around 100 girls from primary schools across Torfaen took part in a football festival at Cwmbran Stadium in preparation for the start of the women’s FIFA World Cup.
Schools put forward teams representing countries from the upcoming tournament, which kicks off on Thursday 20 July.
Teams were tasked with creating fun fact files, flags and wore the colours of the countries they represented.
Taking part was Year 6 pupil Elise, from Blaenavon Victoria Heritage School, who said: “I’ve really enjoyed the festival - it’s been fun to get away from school and be with my friends playing football.”
Miley, a Year 6 pupil from Woodlands Primary School, said: “My team represented Germany in the festival, and I really enjoyed learning some interesting things about the country. It’s also been fun working together as a team”.
The day was hosted by Torfaen Sports Development and encouraged schools to incorporate subjects like numeracy, literacy, and geography, through the medium of sport.
Jess Williams from Swansea City FC ladies was also on hand to pass on some of her knowledge and tips to the players and also refereed some of the matches alongside Torfaen Council’s Sports Leaders and Gwent Police.
Local grassroots football clubs Blaenavon Blues and Coed Eva also turned out to offer pupils an exciting opportunity to sign up and further pursue their passion for the beautiful game.
Jacob Guy, Sports Development Officer at Torfaen Council, said: “We’ve been running this football festival now for several years, due to the increase in popularity and growing demand for the women’s game.
“By doing so, it gives us the opportunity to provide exit routes into local clubs and work with a wide range of partners including the Football Association of Wales and Gwent Police, to promote the importance of inclusivity within sport and society.”
England is the only country from UK to have qualified for the competition, and they will kick off against Haiti for their first match on Saturday 22 July.
For more information about sports provisions run by the council’s sports development team, call 01633 628936 or visit their Facebook page.