Pembrokeshire based ‘Fair Trade in Football’ campaign is celebrating 10 years of Fairtrade football action this year.

The first Fairtrade football activity took place at Haverfordwest County AFC in March 2009 where campaign founder Sharron Hardwick, husband Dene, Francis and Ann Maull (Tearfund), Phillip and Ceri Evans visited on a match day to present Fairtrade footballs and goods to the team.

To celebrate the 10 year anniversary Sharron has reconnected with Haverfordwest County visiting We Wear The Same Shirt and over 50s Walking Football teams, managed by Wyndahm Williams.

Thanks to a Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) grant the campaign has donated Fairtrade footballs to Haverfordwest County’s community and school activities run by Wyndham and Jamie Bessant.

The anniversary celebrations are being held in loving memory of Ceri Evans. Ceri attended the campaign’s first Fairtrade activity with brother Phillip who supports the campaign events.

“I’m delighted to be returning to support Haverfordwest County - I can’t believe it was 10 years ago!” said Sharron.

“We had a fantastic time during our first visit, it was so special that our good friend Ceri was there with us.

“I remember the match and one of the fans shouting ‘Play it fair ref!’

“That’s been my call to the footballing community and schools over the years, to make a difference and ‘Play it fair’ for the football workers and their families. With local and professional footballers’ support we have grown and moved forward, and it all started at Haverfordwest County.”

The first school to join the Fair Trade In Football Campaign were Tavernspite CP.

In 2014 they hosted the first Fair Trade World Cup, organised by Sharron Hardwick and teachers Julie Houghton and Richard Henton.

These Fairtrade tournaments run annually inviting 12 schools to take part, usually representing Fairtrade producer countries. This year’s tournament will be the Ceri Evans Fair Trade Cup.

The campaign has built links with Tenby and Kilgetty AFC, Sport Pembrokeshire, supporting ALN activities, Swansea City Community Trust and lots of local schools and individuals.

Further a field, for the lastfive years, the campaign has been partnering with Stoke City Community Trust, Port Vale Foundation, Engage Communities, Street Games Stoke and City Learning Trust who hold regular competitions using Fairtrade footballs for young people in the community.

The campaign teamed up with WRU Lloyd Phillips and held Wales’ first Fairtrade rugby tournament in 2017. Lloyd recently received Fairtrade rugby balls from the campaign thanks to the WCVA grant for use in local schools. South Pembs Sharks are keen Fairtrade rugby supporters too.

“When it all started I never thought we’d be working alongside clubs like Swansea and Stoke City, or talking to players such as Joe Allen, Jonathan Walters and Xherdan Shaqiri about Fairtrade football. I can’t thank everyone enough for helping to make a difference!” continued Sharron.

Fairtrade ensures workers get a fair wage, safe and fair working conditions; the Fairtrade Premium money from each sale is used by them to pay for whatever they need in their community.

This has so far funded a community water filtration system, eye clinic, fair price shop, access to medical treatment, education and more.

The Fair Trade In Football Campaign founder received a British Citizen Award presented at a Westminster Ceremony last year and is continuing to move forward with help of its supporters.

Get involved by visiting www.fairtradeinfootball.com or you can buy Fairtrade sportsballs at: www.balasport.com