The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones showed his support of the Fair Trade In Football Campaign activities after meeting Kilgetty based campaign founder Sharron Hardwick last week.

During the Hub Cymru Africa (HCA) organised Africa Day event (25th of May) at the Senedd in Cardiff, visitors heard from the First Minister and other AMs.

As a HCA grant recipient, the Fair Trade In Football Campaign were asked to host a stall and to share with the First Minister and others about the campaign.

Sharron chatted with the First Minister about the Fair Trade In Football Campaign activities with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire clubs, organisations and schools, and her partnership with Premier League Stoke City FC Community Trust, and Port Vale Foundation.

In a brief discussion with Sharron, the First Minister noted the activities in Stoke On Trent and that we have yet to partner with any Professional Welsh Clubs.

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Sharron said: “I asked for his help to help us partner with clubs in Wales, and he was very keen to see Fairtrade footballs being used by Cardiff, Swansea and other Welsh Professional football clubs in their community activities.

“This has spurred me on to campaign harder, and after talks with Cardiff City Foundation we are already making steps in the right direction!”

As well as AM’s speeches, the Zim Voices Choir treated visitors with inspiring songs, including drums and dancing.

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The campaign gained many new supporters, with interest from the Welsh Over 65s international and Labour Councillor David Mayer, and BBC Presenter Dr Rhys Jones.

Sharron added: “I was honoured to be invited to the Senedd to share in the Africa Day celebrations. I feel enthused and inspired to press on and move forward with our campaign activities as I can see what a difference we can make for the better.”

Fairtrade workers are guaranteed a better deal with safe working conditions, with no forced or child labour, using the best methods for the environment. To date the Fairtrade Premium, an extra amount paid to workers for use in their communities, has already paid to build a water filtration system for the whole village, a fair price shop, an eye clinic and free transport to work, school equipment and more.

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Cat Jones, Head of Partnership at Hub Cymru Africa said: “It was great to be able to celebrate Africa Day with so many hardworking groups and individuals like Sharron who work tirelessly to build partnerships to support others through fair trade activities and international development work.”

If your school, club or organisation would like to learn more or start using Fairtrade footballs please send me a message!