Pen-Y-Cae, a shirt that makes you feel part of something big

Immersed in the rolling hills of North Wales, the small village of Pen-Y-Cae might seem a sleepy place, but a strong sense of pride in the local football team pervades the entire community. Pen-Y-Cae Football Club is far more than just a team to its players. It is a place where youngsters can come together, enjoy the sun and battle the wind and rain to play the game they love. For many kids, it means a chance to kick a ball around, make friends and play an active part in a community that values fair play and team spirit. For each and every youngster, the team shirt is a real ‘companion’ and an indispensable way of feeling part of something important.

The power of sport

In charge of the Under-8 team is Matt Wilcox, a coach who loves football and is dedicated to bringing young boys and girls onto the pitch. Matt is convinced that sport has the power to keep young people active, involved and connected. Matt came up with the idea of giving the youngsters a chance to leave their mark on the team. In collaboration with the Macron Sports Hub Wrexham, which is well known for its commitment to supporting local communities, Matt launched a unique competition: to design a new kit for the Under-8 team. The winning design would then be professionally produced and printed by the Macron Sports Hub in Wrexham. “After receiving our new Home kit, from Andy of the Macron Sports Hub in Wrexham, we thought it would be a great idea to involve the players in designing the other kits,” – said the coach – I believe that children should be encouraged to be creative and to express themselves not only on the pitch but in all aspects of their lives.”.

The club as an expression of values for the whole community

“Football plays a fundamental part in the lives of all children. It means fun, self-discipline and friendship. The kids who come to us build friendships and form a very united and tightly knit group, coach Wilcox goes on. “The strength of our club lies in its ability to provide what is needed for the youngest children to participate. Our coaches all share the values of the club and our tireless volunteers work hard to make sure that every child feels part of the community.” The words of the Pen-Y-Cae coach clearly show his enthusiasm for the club’s sporting policy of making every child and every parent feel part of something important.Our community, our club, our Cae. More than just a club ”

A simple design, a powerful message

Many designs for the new team kit were submitted in response to Matt’s request, but it was a design entered by Tess, one of the young girls in the team, which was selected as the winning one.“We didn’t have a grey kit, and I liked the colours of the stripes. Each colour represents a different type of player in our team, because we are all different,” . Tess explains. “I’m very proud that my design was chosen and that my teammates will be wearing it.” Tess’ design conveys a powerful message. Against the shirt’s grey background, stripes represent the different skills and personalities of each player and shows how diversity forms a whole. Wrexham’s Macron Sports Hub then transformed Tess’s vision into reality, creating the new kit exactly as she imagined it.

The pride of being part of a team
The fact that her teammates will be wearing the shirt she designed makes Tess feel extremely proud. “I feel I’m appreciated as a member of the team, but the group is more important of course,” Tess tells us. “We’re all good friends, we work hard together, and we give our all for each other. Our club means a lot to me and I’m happy it’s a part of my life.” The competition achieved an important result by encouraging the players’ creativity and strengthening team spirit at the same time for all to be proud of. The experience has made the community feel closer than ever.

The importance of a supportive partner

The Macron Sports Hub in Wrexham showed itself to be a particularly understanding partner in this project, providing Pen-Y-Cae FC with essential support at all phases. Macron will carry on supporting the community, playing a key role in the future of the club, and looking forward to the next, exciting and creative adventure.