Llanelli’s first disabled football festival hailed a success
It is hoped the tournament will become an annual event for the town calendar
Llanelli's first disabled football festival has been hailed a huge success.
More than 100 disabled male and female footballers from all over South and Mid Wales descended on the newly-revamped Stebonheath ground for the event, which was organised by Llanelli Town Council in partnership with Llanelli Town AFC.
The ground, which was split into four smaller pitches for the day, has recently undergone an essential safety upgrade of more than £100,000 after the town council approved funding to keep the ground open.
Cllr Andrew Bragoli, chairman of the Stebonheath management committee said: "They were amazing, they played with smiles on their faces and lit up a dull wet day with their spirit and enthusiasm.
"There was true sportsmanship and joy, players were the stars of the event.
"Such was the success of the event that we are hopeful it could become an annual tournament."
Every player was handed a medal for taking part in the festival.
Chairwoman of the Stebonheath development committee, Cllr Lillith Fenris said: “We have had our work cut out for us, to carry out crucial improvements to this fantastic facility.
"I’m very happy to see Llanelli able to open up this community asset not only our town but also to all the footballers from across south and mid Wales that took part in this wonderful event.
"I hope that events like this show that we are serious about not just maintaining what we have inherited but that we are active and determined in making our town better."
Press officer for the Labour group on Llanelli Town Council, Cllr Shaun Greaney said: "There was a backlog of repairs and the main stand required urgent attention.
"The Labour group did not wish to see the stand left to deteriorate and we have invested more than £100,000 to give it a future and support football in our town.
"We are hoping to increase community use of the ground with events like the disability football festival and the forthcoming School Football Festival there on Thursday.
"With this in mind we think the money has been well spent."
