Swansea City AFC Foundation gift Premier League kits to Primary Stars girls' teams
Girls football teams from Pontybrenin, Blaenhonddan, Brynaman, Pen Rhos and Tonnau primary schools have received brand new Premier League football kit as part of the league’s ongoing support for women’s and girls’ football.
The schools applied to receive the clothing, which includes 13 full outfield kits and one goalkeeper set - plus optional Nike 2.0 hijabs - thanks to their involvement in the Premier League Primary Stars programme with Swansea City AFC Foundation.
Delivered in partnership with Nike, the Premier League Kit Scheme will see more than 58,000 girls in more than 4,000 primary schools across England and Wales receive the free football kit, featuring the Premier League and No Room For Racism logos.
To celebrate the initiative, Swansea City AFC Foundation invited all five schools to Pure Football for a mini tournament and an inspiring workshop from Her Game Too ambassador Gabriella Jukes.
Sports and education coordinator Katy Hosford was delighted to see the Premier League Primary Stars schools wearing the kits, after reflecting on her own experiences at school.
“When I was in school we used to just play in the boys’ kit and maybe just had the shirt, so for these girls to have a full brand new kit - so that any opportunities they get, whether it’s a tournament or friendlies, they have their own kit which fits them - is great to see,” said Hosford.
“It’s growing every year, we’ve got the girls' teams with the Premier League kits here, but the Foundation runs girls'-only tournaments and soccer camps as well, and the numbers are growing massively so it’s fantastic to see so many girls enjoying football.”
Ria and Mali from Brynaman school were delighted to received the kit, saying: “It’s really comfortable and we can’t wait to wear it often when we’re playing. It also represents the colours of our school flag which is really cool."
The day also provided the Foundation and Her Game Too the opportunity to promote International Women’s Day.
“It’s a fantastic initiative that these girls get to play in these kits from the Premier League. It’s so important to inspire them and help them to continue to play football because there’s so many barriers involved, but we can see the benefits of these kits already,” said Jukes.
“The message is so important, ‘if you can see it, you can be it’. For these girls to have these female coaches probably doesn’t just make them feel more comfortable taking part but it shows them there’s opportunity in all different aspects of participating in football.
“International Women’s Day is such a fantastic day of the year to celebrate all the amazing things women and girls achieve in every walk of life.
“In sport there’s so many benefits for women and girls, not just physically but mentally too. To see so many girls playing here is absolutely fantastic."