Football World Cup Project
Our 2022 Football World Cup "Inspiring a Generation" Project marked the first time since 1958 that Wales made it to the Men's Football World Cup finals. It consisted of multiple programmes to empower young people and create a legacy from Wales’ participation in the World Cup. Our programmes included:
Youth Work Sessions
The youth work sessions planned by BGC Wales youth worker Dean Wood included a matching exercise with printed flags, capital cities and football association logos to enhance young people's geographic knowledge. This was followed by a discussion around human rights issues & Qatar as well as promoting Welsh values amongst young people.
Aberkenfig BGC Youth Work Session, 28 November
Activity Days and Community Parties
Our affiliated network of youth & football clubs applied for and were awarded 44 grants to host watch parties and activities, creating a Welsh footballing legacy in the clubs. Events took place across Wales, with 3,631 attendees in total. A young person at Grangetown BGC commented "I love coming to youth club to see my friends, and it's even better when they have a party with food and goodies." We are very grateful to all the clubs who got involved!
Community Party on 29 November at Stephens & George Trust, Dowlais. Their co-ordinator said "Young people, children and adults who attended had a great time celebrating football."
USA vs BGC Wales International Matches
The U15 boys' and girls' football squads from BGC Wales travelled to the USA from 17 November to 24 November to play matches against an American representative team on the day Wales played against the USA at the World Cup in Qatar (21 November). Both teams played brilliantly in hard-fought matches, with the boys winning 0-3 and the girls unfortunately losing 2-0. This was a life changing experience for the young people to learn about US soccer. The matches were a wonderful opportunity to promote Wales and Welsh values, including the captains wearing One Love armbands, documented by BGC Wales videographer Carl Twinney.
Girls' Captain Megan Clark said:
"It's nice to be out here with all the girls. It's a great experience for us all and we're having a great time"
A Report was produced after the completion of the project and it was submitted to the Welsh Government who funded this amazing work.
For more information on this exciting project our final report is now available.
Funded by the Welsh Government
World Cup Partner Support Fund