Street Football Wales Wins Cardiff Life Charity of the Year

Street Football Wales Wins Cardiff Life Charity of the Year

Street Football Wales has been named Charity of the Year at the Cardiff Life Awards, recognising the organisation’s work using the power and pace of street football to bring people together, rebuild confidence and foster a feeling of belonging for people across Cardiff and Wales.

Based in Cardiff and delivering sessions across Wales, Street Football Wales supports people who have experienced homelessness, mental health challenges, displacement, addiction and social isolation. Through free weekly mixed-gender and women’s sessions at the Gôl Centre in Cardiff, alongside delivery across Wales, the charity creates welcoming community spaces where people can connect, build friendships and feel part of something.

The award comes just weeks after Street Football Wales launched an emergency crowdfunder campaign to help secure the future of its sessions, with the campaign surpassing its original fundraising target following widespread support from the housing and homelessness sector, the Welsh business community, football supporters and members of the Wales Women’s national team.

For many people attending sessions, Street Football Wales provides far more than football. It offers routine, connection and community during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Bethan Thomas, Interim Director of Street Football Wales, said:

“It’s been a real rollercoaster of a year. Going from our most successful ever Homeless World Cup campaign in Oslo last summer, to nearly closing our doors last month, this award means so much to us. Not just because we’re a sports team and we love a trophy, but because it recognises the incredibly hard work our staff, volunteers and community put in week in, week out to create spaces where people can have fun, feel supported and belong. The support we received during our recent crowdfunder showed us just how much this community matters to people, and now we want to build on that momentum and keep growing.”

Prince Bomodi, Support Worker from The Salvation Army in Cardiff, who regularly brings asylum seekers to Street Football Wales sessions, said the sessions have become an important part of helping people feel welcomed and connected in the city.

“Some have told us the time they spent during your sessions is the best time they have had in the UK.”

Feedback from the Judging Panel of the Cardiff Life Awards said:

“This female-led social inclusion charity uses the power of street football to help those battling homelessness, addiction, and isolation rebuild their confidence, form friendships, and find a sense of true purpose. It was the strongest Charity of the Year submission. It combines clear social need, measurable impact, lived-experience leadership and national representation… This is charity work with grit, purpose and visible life-change.”

Steve Williams, Chair of Street Football Wales said:

“We see first-hand the impact this work has on people’s lives – building confidence, improving mental health, creating community and giving people hope and purpose through football. We’re hugely proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Street Football Wales is also the official Welsh partner of the Homeless World Cup and is now preparing to send both a men’s and women’s team to the 21st edition of the tournament in Mexico.

Following the award win and recent community backing, the charity is now looking to build new partnerships to help sustain and grow its work in Cardiff and communities across Wales.

To support Street Football Wales or explore partnership opportunities, contact [email protected]