Stepaside school play Kilgetty AFC in Fairtrade Cup

34 pupils from Stepaside Community Primary School walked with their teachers to Kilgetty AFC to play football with Kilgetty's under 8s and mixed under 9s teams, as well as the under 9s and 11s girls' teams.

The event was organised by Fair Trade in Football Campaign founder and Kilgetty AFC secretary, Sharron Hardwick, along with under 9s coach, Jenna Gwyther, and assistant headteacher, Kate Chandler Hall.

The event was held to celebrate Kilgetty's 100th year as a football club and to mark Fairtrade Fortnight using the new Bala Sport fairly traded footballs.

The event was sponsored by Fair Trade Wales grant funding.

Players were eager to play Fair Trade football and, during the welcome, they learned about the impact of Fairtrade.

All players were awarded for their participation (Image: Kilgetty AFC)

This ensures safe and fair working conditions, workers' rights, and no forced or child labour.

Each ball provides a 15 per cent Fairtrade premium payment, which workers use to improve their lives and communities.

Ms Hardwick said: "Today’s an opportunity for fun playing Fair Trade football.

"Using Bala Sport Fair Trade footballs means football producers get a fairer deal, we can 'Be The Change' by choosing Fairtrade."

The players started with a high-energy game of crocodiles before moving to their allocated pitches to play two games of non-competitive Fair Trade football.

Although there were no winners of the Kilgetty Centenary Fair Trade Cup, all players were deemed winners for enjoying the event and supporting Fair Trade football makers.

Everyone received a certificate and Fairtrade chocolate, and Fair Trade Cups were presented to Kilgetty AFC and Stepaside School.

The event not only celebrated Kilgetty's centenary and supported Fairtrade, but it also gave pupils with no previous football experience the opportunity to play.

Ms Hardwick said: "Through my Fair Trade in Football campaign, I hope to continue partnering with Kilgetty AFC and Stepaside School, giving children further opportunities to play Fair Trade football.

"Thanks to all, especially Fair Trade Wales for sponsorship and Bala Sport for working tirelessly to get Fairly Traded footballs back on the market."

Stepaside School expressed its gratitude to the organisers, saying: "Great afternoon, well done to all the kids and all for organising it.

"Especially to the kids who have never played football in their lives, great to see them enjoying it and taking part.

"Little Stars."

Ms Chandler Hall added: "Thank you to all who helped organise this, it was fab.

"Everyone had a great time."