Newport Live, in collaboration with Lliswerry Primary School and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), celebrated the success of the second Primary Schools Girls Football League Festival held on February 28, 2024, at the Geraint Thomas Velodrome. The event witnessed an impressive turnout with 19 schools participating and an astounding 220 girls in Year 5 and 6 participating in a day packed with football games.
The festival was graced by special guests including Maise Miller and Cori Williams from Cardiff City Ladies, along with Neville Southall, former Welsh international goalkeeper.
Karl Reed, Head of Community Sport & Wellbeing at Newport Live, said, "Amazing to see so many girls with huge smiles on their faces, coming together here at the Geraint Thomas Velodrome on the 3G pitch, to play football, be active, compete, and have fun; and all in the pouring rain! The future for girls playing football in Newport is looking very positive!"
Christine Williams, Chairperson of Gwent Girls League (CGL) said “It was really a really good event. Very well organised and the girls seemed to be having such fun. Such a shame about the weather. Great seeing so many girls playing. The Fixture Secretary from the GCGL advised me her daughter was playing and had reported back to her mum that they had an amazing time. I also got my photo taken with Neville Southall, so I was very pleased.”
Jack Milner, Year 4 teacher and Progression Step 3 Lead at Lliswerry Primary School) said It was great to see another successful festival take place. It was great to see the number of girls taking part growing as well as the quality of the games being played. The impact of Newport Live, County In The Community and the FAW can clearly be seen by the increase in numbers and quality. The League has once again proved to be a central part to ensuring the development of girls football in Newport, as well as developing clear pathways for children to take part in football outside of school. From a school perspective the opportunities provided offer a safe and fun environment to play football and inspire many of our younger children to take part.”
Following the event, the girls were invited to join Newport Live's Huddle sessions which have been launched in partnership with the FAW to provide additional avenues for girls aged 7-11 to participate in football within the community. Those interested in joining local football clubs were also offered guidance and support in partnership with the Gwent Girls Football League.
The success of the second Primary Schools Girls Football League Festival demonstrates the commitment of Newport Live, Lliswerry Primary School, and the FAW to the development and promotion of girls' football in the region. FAW's presence and distribution of footballs at the festival exemplify the collective efforts aimed at nurturing talent and fostering a love for the sport among young girls.
Newport Live would like to thank Lliswerry Primary School and the FAW for their support and help in organising the event, and we look forward to hosting the next festival on Monday 22nd of April at Rodney Parade. For further information, contact Brittany Cloke, Community Sport and Physical Activity Development Officer at Newport Live, at the following email address Brittany.cloke@newportlive.co.uk.
Huddle sessions take place every Friday from 4:30 - 5:30 pm on the 3G pitch of the Geraint Thomas Velodrome, free of charge. For more information or to book a session, please get in touch with Newport Live on 01633 656757.
