On 19th April 2017, County in the Community travelled to Cardiff City FC for the second trip of this year’s Premier League Kicks Programme. Following on from Aston Villa in December 2016, this time round a different squad of players were chosen to represent the Newport County AFC Kicks Team. There were 7 boys chosen to represent their local club as a reward for regular attendance, while conducting themselves in the correct manor throughout the previous sessions and tournaments.
The 7-young people chosen are from various areas of Newport including Duffryn, Pill, Gaer and Maesglas. The day began with a tour of Cardiff City Stadium, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
After a short break for lunch, the tournament began and the County Kicks team started strongly. This form was carried throughout the Group Stage and into the knockout rounds, where they beat two strong Cardiff teams in the semi-final and final.
A great day had by all, especially the 7 lads who took part and left as champions. This is an opportunity they may never have had if it wasn’t for the Premier League Kicks programme, to get out of their local community and into a new environment and express themselves through competitive football. It was a chance to meet new people and socialise within different surroundings.
The boys were grateful for the opportunity and look forward to going back into their weekly Kicks sessions to tell all about the day, they can’t wait to play again and look forward to future opportunities to put the County kit on.
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