Homelessness football charity hits fundraising target in bid to halt ‘immediate closure’

A football charity for people experiencing homelessness and substance misuse has hit its fundraising target needed as part of a campaign to secure its future.

Street Football Wales has been looking to raise £15,000 by the end of April through its ‘Save Our Season’ campaign after warning that "critical cash flow issues" put its weekly leagues and support services at risk of immediate closure’.

The charity runs matches involving those experiencing homelessness, substance misuse and mental health problems.

According to its crowdfunder page it has raised over £17,000 by 28 April.

"We are at a breaking point,” warned Street Football Wales interim director Beth Thomas.

“Street Football Wales isn’t just about a kickabout; it’s a lifeline. We aren't just bibs and goals; we’re rebuilding lives.”

She had warned that if it didn’t reach its target it risked “losing the very community that keeps our players safe, healthy, and seen”.

The Wales Women’s National football team is among those to make a donation to the charity, which is is the official partner for the Homeless World Cup .

Others include two players, Sam and Georgia, who have been supported by the charity and represented Wales at last year’s Homeless World Cup. They raised £1,000 between them through a boxing match and taking part in the Newport Marathon.

The charity says that for many of the participants its weekly training sessions “are the only stable fixture in their lives”, adding that they are “more likely to engage with housing support and find stable employment through” its work.

Former Homeless World Cup player and coach Wayne Ellaway said: “It's important for other people in Wales to get the opportunity to play in Homeless World Cup.

“If you are excluded or suffer from mental health or any exclusion from society the sessions good place to come along, get a bit of confidence. You don't have to play football. You come and have a cup of coffee, a chat, a pie.”

According to the charities register Street Football Wales’s spending has outstripped its income in each of the last three financial years. In the 12 months to March 2025, it’s income was £71,900 but it spent £142,030.