A project helping young girls enjoy football while building confidence and friendships in Newport is celebrating its first anniversary.
The Huddle programme, run by Newport Live, is a grassroots football initiative aimed at girls aged seven to 11 and since its launch more than 60 girls have taken part in regular football sessions, regardless of experience or ability.
To celebrate this milestone, Newport Live is hosting an anniversary event on September 27 at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
The event will look back at the progress made over the last year and shine a light on the positive impact Huddle has had on girls’ football in Newport.
Huddle has helped inspire girls to take up football, many of whom attended their first live match through the programme - either cheering on Newport County AFC or witnessing the excitement of a Welsh Cup final between Cardiff City and Wrexham's women's teams.
And it hasn’t just been about football. The programme has helped the youngsters build confidence, develop friendships, and feel part of a supportive community.
Logan Busuttil, community sport and physical activity development coach at Newport Live, said: "Watching these girls grow in confidence and ability over the past year has been one of my proudest moments as a coach.
2What’s been really special is seeing them not just develop as footballers, but also as friends, with the support of their families and the community around them."
As Huddle moves into its second year, Newport Live’s ambition is to build on its success by increasing the number of female coaches within the programme.
Steve Ward, CEO of Newport Live, said: "Huddle has been a fantastic example of how sport can be a powerful tool for community engagement and personal growth.
"Seeing the girls’ confidence soar and their passion for football develop has been truly inspiring. We’re committed to expanding the programme further, particularly by increasing the number of female coaches to provide even more positive role models for the next generation. We have to ensure we have the infrastructure in the city for these programmes to continue and thrive."
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