Ronald surprises Brazilian Premier League Kicks participant
Swansea City forward Ronald surprised Premier League Kicks participant Junior at a recent session in Llanelli.
Junior, who is from Brazil, is in Swansea visiting his aunt Elika Alves Da Silva, and has found Premier League Kicks sessions a perfect outlet during his time in south Wales.
And winger Ronald took the time out to visit his fellow countryman and present him with a signed Swans shirt.
Eighteen-year-old Junior has been attending weekly Kicks sessions in Morriston, allowing him to interact and socialise with people his age, having not had much opportunity to do so since making the journey over to Wales.
Dan Garnett, the Foundation's sports and education area coordinator, believes attending Kicks has had a positive impact on Junior as he adjusts to his new surroundings.
“Junior started attending our Premier League Kicks sessions in Morriston on a Friday night. He comes pretty much every week, he’s fully committed to the sessions,” said Garnett.
“There are quite a few participants who are a bit younger than him, and he really makes an effort to get them involved in the sessions.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for him, there aren’t many organisations that offer the chance for young people to come and play football for free, with a focus on being able to socialise and make new friends.
“Having that opportunity really boosts his chances of settling into the community and growing during his time in Swansea.
“The international language of football is something that is recognised everywhere, all the kids love to play no matter where they are from and it really helps Junior fit in.
“The whole idea of the Kicks programme is to make sure that those children who are facing certain barriers within society have the chance to come somewhere they are all treated equally and take part in something that they have in common, and love.”
Junior had always been passionate about football, so when his aunt found out about the Kicks sessions in Morriston, she thought it would be ideal for him.
“It’s been amazing, Junior is much happier now that he’s able to go and play football every Friday night, he can’t wait to go to the sessions,” said Elika.
“He loves putting his togs on and going to do what he loves; playing football.
“Everyone has accepted Junior, he is here on a holiday visa so it’s been great for him to be able to do what he loves and be accepted by everyone.
“The signed shirt and meeting Ronald means so much to him and to me, it’s a brilliant welcome, I’m so grateful to Ronald, it’s a memory that Junior will have for life.”
Ronald joined the Premier League Kicks session in Seaside to meet with Junior, and the teenager says meeting the Swansea star was an experience he will cherish.
“This opportunity is something that will always be in my memory,” said Junior.
“And for the young people too, it will certainly be a great memory for the rest of our lives.
“It was a surprise and very rewarding for me to be presented with a gift from Ronald, he has helped motivate me to continue enjoying football.”