THE Haverfordwest County AFC and PATH Charity Festival brought together football enthusiasts and local supporters on Sunday, April 27th, in an inspiring celebration of sport and community giving.
Hosted at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on the magnificent new 3G surface, 16 teams competed across four categories in the walking football festival, an event designed to raise awareness of the benefits of walking football as a means of improving physical health and well-being, particularly for individuals over forty.
The festival proudly supported SNAP Pembrokeshire’s specialist play services, with a total of £640 raised to aid their work. In addition, a charity raffle contributed £130 to PATH, further supporting local initiatives.
Among those attending were staff and volunteers from PATH, SNAP Pembrokeshire, Councillor David Bryan and Matthew Freeman, Manager of PCC Sport Pembrokeshire, who all championed the event’s purpose of using football as a force for positive impact.
Representative teams from Milford, New Hedges Saundersfoot, Haverfordwest County AFC, Neath, Morlais Movers, Wannabe Warriors, Celtic Nations, Albies and Felinfoel competed across three pitches, showcasing their skills. Matches officials for the day were Arthur Hughes, Brendan McGrail and Helmut Reinhart.
The food hut was open serving delicious food and beverages and in the spirit of community Kirsty Rees and her staff provided free refreshments throughout to all match officials and staff of St John Ambulance Wales.
The festival also celebrated the success of the PATH numeracy project, which has been funded through the Social Prosperity Fund, highlighting the crucial role of community-driven programmes in fostering education and engagement.
Learners who benefitted from that project were there offering their support during the event, alongside staff who led the project.
Members of Haverfordwest High Sixth Form who had attended the Numeracy classes as part of their work experience were also there in support.
Through spirited competition and charitable fundraising, the festival emphasised the power of sport to unite people in support of meaningful causes.
Paul Williams, chairperson of the Haverfordwest County Walking Football Group said: “We see walking football as a brilliant form for our health and wellbeing every week, alongside being able to socialise with like-minded football lovers.”
Event organiser Dean Flood commented: “This festival has been a shining example of how learning, well-being, community cohesion and human connection can thrive when people unite with a shared purpose.”
The winners in each categories were -
Ladies over-40’s: Haverfordwest County AFC
Mixed over-50’s: Haverfordwest County AFC
Mixed over-60’s: Celtic Nations
Mixed over-70’s: Celtic Nations
Haverfordwest County Community Manager Harry Thomas and Commercial Manager Alaric Jones were delighted to work alongside PATH to host this event.
They commented: “After a highly successful season for the club in the Welsh Premier League it has been wonderful to add the walking football element as it is part of our commitment to being a true community club.”
Haverfordwest County AFC Walking Football train every week at the Ogi Bridge Meadow on Tuesdays 10.30am-11.30am and Wednesdays 6.30pm -7.30pm.
They welcome new and returning members and are open to women aged 35 and over and men aged 45 years and over.