Swans Foundation volunteer Ashlee Charles named Child of Wales Community Champion
Swansea City AFC Foundation volunteer Ashlee Charles was named Community Champion at the Child of Wales awards.
Ashlee was once a participant of Swansea City AFC Foundation's Premier League Kicks sessions in Llwynhendy. Now, her story has come full circle after she qualified to coach and assist in the delivery of those very same sessions.
Ashlee completed her Duke of Edinburgh award, which included volunteering with the Premier League Kicks project following the Covid-19 lockdowns.
On the back of that experience, Swansea City AFC Foundation provided support to help her earn her FAW Football Leaders, Safeguarding and First Aid awards.
Since completing these qualifications, Ashlee has continued to volunteer in Llwynhendy and Seaside, becoming a role model to young girls taking part in football sessions.
Ashlee was proud to receive the award and looks forward to continuing to inspire young participants to take part in football.
“I’m very proud to be given this award, it’s great to be recognised for the work that we do in the community,” said Ashlee.
“It makes me feel like I’m a good role model to the young children in our sessions and hopefully we are having a big impact on them.
“It’s been amazing to be part of the Foundation, all of the coaches are lovely, they always put a smile on my face and make the sessions way more enjoyable.
“I really enjoy being a part of the Premier League Kicks programme, helping young people to get involved in football, helping them make friends and giving them something to look forward to.”
The awards evening was held in Cardiff on Friday, March 24, with Swansea City Ladies captain Katy Hosford and Swansea City head of football operations Josh Marsh presenting the award.
Hosford was delighted to see the work Ashlee has done with the Foundation, and feels she would have benefited from having a coach like Ashlee growing up.
“At her age, having the confidence that she has and being a role model to the boys and girls in her sessions is really important,” said Hosford.
“When I was younger I would have loved to have a coach and role model like Ashlee in my life, so I think she’s definitely making a massive impact.”
