Welsh international and Stoke City Premier League player Joe Allen met with Fair Trade In Football Campaign founder Sharron Hardwick (Kilgetty) at the Stoke City training ground last week.

Joe was keen to see how youngsters from his Primary School in Narberth are participating in Fairtrade football events and fundraising for the Junior Diabetic Research Fund (JDRF), through work with Marie’s Mission.

He smiled whilst watching a video filmed by St. Mark’s deputy head, Rich Owen, featuring Marley, Jack, Archie and Isaac sharing their stories and asking questions.

Receiving the gift of a JDRF T-shirt, Joe was very impressed by his former coach Marie Tilley, founder of Marie’s Mission supporting JDRF. “I remember Marie from my young training days. Completing Ironman Wales is such a great achievement. I’m pleased to support Marie’s Mission and JDRF.”

During the visit, Joe chatted about Narberth and Pembrokeshire, remembering his coach Angie Nicholls, with fond memories of Narberth Schoo; answering one of the boys’ questions that Mr. Harries was his favourite teacher, especially as he taught football! Joe named his favourite football player as Messi, confirming that he trains for two-and-a-half hours a day.

His tip to the youngsters was: “Never give up, even if things get tough, just try your best and always keep going.”

When asked what his favourite Fairtrade item is, Joe said: “I love Fairtrade coffee beans.”

Stoke City media manager, Colin Burgess, pointed out that all of the hot drinks served at the Stoke City training ground are Fairtrade, which is a credit to the club.

Joe posed for photographs with his newly presented Bala Sport Cymru Fair Trade football, saying: “Let me make sure the Fairtrade mark is in the shot!”

He and Sharron talked about Pembrokeshire Fairtrade football activities, supported by Fair Trade Wales and Hub Cymru Africa, and the difference Fairtrade makes to producers and workers, and the importance of grassroots football. He praised local schools and clubs who support youngsters, helping them to achieve their dreams.

“It was an honour to meet Joe, such a genuinely nice guy, with a heart for Pembrokeshire. It’s great to see Joe supporting his home town, Marie’s Mission, Fair Trade In Football Campaign and Fairtrade Certified items. I invited Joe to our 2018 Fair Trade World Cup and hope he will be able to attend!” said Sharron

For information on Marie’s Mission, visit: @MariesMission

For Fairtrade Football information, visit: www.fairtradeinfootball.com