Newtown Premier League Kicks kids get the chance to watch European football

Swansea City AFC Foundation took participants from their Premier League Kicks session in Newtown to The New Saints’ Europa Conference League fixture against Panathinaikos.

Premier League Kicks offers almost 3,000 participants across south and mid-Wales the opportunity to take part in free football sessions on a weekly basis.

The programme has also given multiple participants the opportunity to see Swansea City in action. 

But, with Newtown over two hours away from the Swansea.com Stadium, the Foundation took the opportunity for participants to see a game a little closer to home.

The New Saints were in action as part of their Europa Conference League campaign at Shrewsbury Town’s Croud Meadow, just 50 minutes from the venue for their weekly sessions.

Premier League Kicks coach Jamie Bessant leads the weekly sessions in Newtown, and felt it was a great experience for the young participants.

“It’s a really great opportunity for them to be able to see European football so close to where they are from,” said Bessant.

“It’s great to see a Welsh side taking part in games like these against high-level European sides, I remember when Swansea City were taking part in the Europa League and it was just incredible to see.

“I don’t think any of them would expect to be able to see European football so close to home, so to be able to give them that chance is really great.”