Cardiff City pros inspire amateur players

Players from Cardiff City FC have shared professional skills advice and inspiration with amateur players from The Salvation Army’s Tŷ Gobaith Lifehouse in Cardiff while presenting a signed club shirt during a visit to the city's Donation Centre.

Bluebird’s defenders Dylan Lawlor and Will Fish signed the shirt for residents of the church and charity’s Bute Street homelessness accommodation. The visit showed that football is a game for everyone, bringing people together regardless of background or experiences.

While at the donation centre in Colchester Avenue, the players promoted recycling of used football shirts by donating some of their own kit. The club urges fans to do the same either at The Salvation Army or in special containers at their ground in Leckwith Road.

Mark Denham, Head of Communications at Cardiff City Football Club said playing a part in the local community is a key aim for the club.

“We’re really pleased to be able to offer our support to the residents of Tŷ Gobaith and hope that the Cardiff City kit donated by Will and Dylan can be resold through The Salvation Army's Donation Centre. 

“Cardiff City Football Club has always supported its local communities and has a growing commitment to adopting sustainable practices. Both these core pledges come together with our visit to the donation centre.”

A team from the Tŷ Gobaith Lifehouse in Cardiff won the Partnership Trophy football tournament in 2023. Part of that trophy winning team was Mark, a former resident who also played for Wales in the homeless World Cup in Cardiff in 2019. 

Mark said: 

“Meeting the players from Cardiff City was an incredible experience. The players that we cheer on and want to succeed met me and this means the world to me. In the past when I have played for Ty Gobaith at the Partnership Trophy it has been a real highlight in my life. Not just the actual playing the games on the day, but the travelling the day before, being in the hotel, the planning, the teamwork, the community and trust between us as a team is worth its weight in gold.”

The Salvation Army's Donation Centre Manager in Cardiff, Dean Harvey, added

“'We’re proud to have Cardiff City supporting The Salvation Army with our recycling aims. It’s a great way to show how football can inspire positive change and sustainability by encouraging fans to recycle, donate and make a difference in the community.”