Steve Brown is the chair of the club and has volunteered since 1997. His skilled administration has gained us platinum accreditation. He consults widely on club developments, encourages collaboration and has the full support of the club’s trustees. As well as being Chair, Steve shares many operational roles with other volunteers, believing that sharing workloads and succession planning for trustee roles is essential for sustainability. 

However, what marks Steve out is his exceptional leadership and strategic vision, best shown by his work on the club’s ground development strategy.  Begun in 2016, when we had 208 players and 12 teams, the first phase of this was completed this year at a cost of £238k, with £190k being grant funded, thanks to Steve writing bids and delivering all projects within budgets. One of the aims of improving facilities was to increase participation in our club by making it more attractive to players and their families. We have grown to 420 players, and 19 teams, including girls, women and disability, illustrating one successful outcome of Steve's work. Most importantly, our new facilities provide the community with a lasting legacy of Steve's commitment and vision.

Inclusion drives what they do. It is a team dedicated to those with a wide range of disabilities. Physical, learning disabilities, downs syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy- to name a few. It is unique as it allows siblings to be a part of the sessions too. It’s a safe and supportive environment for children and parents who often have nowhere else to go. I have seen firsthand how empowered the children are through playing football. My own little boy who has LD and autism and a full time 1:1 in school has grown so much since playing. The coaches are mostly parents of children with disabilities themselves who give their time and energy to helping the children. Its more than a team - it’s a mini community. Our main coach and organiser John Haycock has done so much to not only promote football and inclusion but has facilitated something really beautiful.

Game On Wales’ free turn up and play sessions is a wonderful example of an initiative that over the last 12 months helped nearly 1,000 children and young people fall in love with football (74% non-club members; 36% girls). With an emphasis on unabashed fun, Game On Wales’ free informal weekly football sessions take place in Wales’ former mining communities – an antidote to some of the problems that exist living in socially deprived areas. Efforts are supported by 15 volunteers and linked to fantastic local clubs so that young people can take their football journey further. Football activities are driven by the participants, resulting in a greater sense of ownership, stronger values and roots of existence.

Lauren is an inspiration to all in her community and a role model for girls football. The captain of Barry Town United Women, she gives up her free time on a weekly basis to market, administrate and coach the Huddle session at the club which attracts over 20 girls each week, inspiring the next generation to fall in love with the game as well as running our holiday camps and extra-curricular events on a regular basis. 

Whilst studying sport at university and gaining her coaching qualifications, she also attends weekly training sessions at the club, coaching a variety of age groups as well as making guest appearances at Christmas parties and external events on behalf of the club. Further to this, on matchdays she interacts with all the children present, having photos and Q&A sessions following a match regarding the result. Nothing is too much effort for her and she will always go out of her way to help anyone. Truly acting as a female role model for all at the club and helping to continue to grow girls participation in South Wales, she is an inspiration and is a rising star set for a great future.

Rosehill Community Football Club are an example of a club where truly everyone is accepted. Playing within a mainstream football league in Swansea, the club has grown substantially to nearly 100 players with approximately 80% of the players either having a disability or on the pathway. Everyone at the club work so hard to give all the children the best possible experience to be a part of a club for the football and the external social communication aspects. Many children have been within multiple clubs and have not been accept but have found their home and love of football at Rosehill. The children now feel part of a family and are able to thrive in everyday life.