Launch event gives a sendoff to Street Child World Cup’s Welsh teams

March 12, 2026

On 9th March, special guests, media and community football organisations gathered at Football Association Wales (FAW), Hensol, Pontyclun to celebrate two teams of youngsters that will represent Wales in the Street Child World Cup in May. The event marked the beginning of the teams’ journey to the Street Child World Cup 2026 in Mexico. 

The Street Child World Cup, hosted by the charity Street Child United (SCU), unites street-connected young people from across the world to take part in their own football tournament as well as arts and advocacy events. SCU enables street-connected young people to challenge stigma, influence public attitudes and push for systemic change. The Street Child World Cup uses the power of sport to give them a platform to speak directly to those in power and drive lasting progress. 

30 teams from across the world will take place in the 2026 Street Child World Cup in Mexico City. For the first time in the history of the Street Child World Cup, the event will include two teams from Wales: Team Wales Girls from Blaenau Gwent Youth Service and Team Wales Boys from the Swansea City Foundation. 

The sendoff event on the 9th March celebrated the teams, the members of which had the opportunity to meet supporters, media and special guests.  

The launch brought together supporters of Street Child United and press and media representatives. Speakers included Street Child United CEO and Co-founder John Wroe, the young people from the teams who shared their experiences and excitement about representing  Wales at the Street Child World Cup, and Welsh football legend Neville Southall, who gave the teams an inspirational team talk. He advised the young players to: “Concentrate on what you do, don’t worry about anybody else, just look after you…You have power, you have resilience, and you have determination, otherwise you wouldn’t be sat here.” 

In addition, the teams were given a tour of the FAW facilities, allowing them to explore the venue and connect with supporters. 

John Wroe, CEO and Co-founder, Street Child United said: “The contributions of the Welsh team members highlight the power of sport to create opportunity, build confidence and amplify their voices, and we’re so excited to have them be a part of the Street Child World Cup. 

“My heartfelt thanks go to Swansea City Foundation and Blaenau Gwent Youth Services for their hard work and shared commitment to bringing Welsh teams to Mexico. As a Welshman myself it brings me so much pride to know that Wales will be represented.  

“This is the World Cup that Matters. We will use the power of sport to support street-connected young people to share their experiences and drive lasting change.” 

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