Levelling the Playing Field’s network of partners in Gwent came together to stage the Newport Inclusion Cohesion Shield to support young people from ethnically diverse communities.
The football competition, held at the Newport International Sports Village, was attended by 100 youngsters aged 11-18 from LtPF’s specialist partners across the city: Positive Futures, Community Youth Project and young refugees and asylum seekers from Newport Yemeni Community Association and The Sanctuary.
Most players are not part of a regular football team, so this annual event gives them a positive experience, the opportunity to meet young people from different communities, play competitively and be rewarded for their efforts. The event improves cohesion amongst different minorities groups.
The tournament, delivered by Newport Live Positive Futures and Newport Youth Justice Service, received funding through the Welsh Government’s Summer of Fun, from Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner and Newport City Council.
Lucy Donovan, Senior Development Officer at Positive Futures, said: “The NICS event was a fantastic opportunity to give young people throughout Newport a chance to come and enjoy sport, play alongside their friends, meet new young people from different communities and receive awards, medals, and a goody bag.
“We wanted the event to encourage cohesion amongst young people and give young people the chance to play in a tournament, free of charge, in a safe, appropriate venue.”
Matt Elliott, Youth Justice Service Worker, said: “The event helped prove to the young people that they can be together, get along and break down barriers amongst different communities. Sport is a great way of bridging the gaps and leaving issues outside of the game.”
Winners received placement on the annual shield and a new football, and all participants received a medal, shinpads, t-shirts and a goody bag. All participants received sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
Newport County manager James Rowberry presented prizes and the event was also attended by John Griffiths, Labour MS for Newport East and Severnside.
He said: “What we all want to see is a widening of access especially in communities where, for whatever reason, they don’t get the same opportunities as others. For these children to come here and enjoy these wonderful facilities and it be organised so well, they are going to take a lot from it and remember it.”
