How a Taith mobility helped inspire the next generation of female footballers from rural Pembrokeshire
In March 2026, a group of junior female footballers travelled to Portugal for a five-day mobility combining sport, cultural learning and community engagement. Organised by Camrose Sports Association, the experience opened doors to new cultures, strengthened friendships, built confidence and showed young people from rural West Wales what could be possible through international learning. Through football, the project created meaningful connections while helping participants develop skills that extend far beyond the pitch. Joanne Battelley, project co-ordinator and coach, tells us more about the experience.
Why did you want to go on a Taith funded mobility?
We wanted to inspire junior female footballers to show how sport can create bonds, relationships and learning. Living in rural Pembrokeshire can mean opportunities to travel, meet new people and experience different cultures are limited. Through Taith funding, the club was able to provide its players with an opportunity to challenge themselves, build independence and broaden their horizons.
We wanted to demonstrate how sport can bring people together while encouraging the girls to step outside their comfort zones and grow as individuals.
What activities did you take part in when you were in Portugal?
We had a very mixed itinerary which included a pro-training experience in Benfica’s renowned training ground and competing against academy-level opposition. The experience gave the players an insight into elite football environments and demonstrated where dedication and hard work can lead.
However, football was only one aspect of the visit.
The group also completed community projects, enjoyed a walking tour of Lisbon, and explored Portuguese culture. Throughout the week, the girls worked alongside and interacted with people from different backgrounds, helping them develop their communication and intercultural skills.
Despite language differences, they quickly formed friendships with opponents, supporters and members of the local community.
Were there any highlights from the mobility?
One of the most memorable moments of the mobility was a visit to the British Ambassador’s residence in Lisbon.
For several participants, this was their first experience of travelling outside of Wales. To find themselves meeting diplomats, discussing their experiences and even playing football in the Ambassador’s garden was something they had never imagined.
Her Excellency Lisa Bandari, British Ambassador to Portugal, shared the impact the visit had on her:
Welcoming them was a privilege, and a reminder that when we invest in girls, we invest in future leaders, on and off the pitch.
For many, it is their first time travelling abroad, and watching their confidence grow, even in the short time we spent together, was genuinely inspiring.
Has there been an impact on the group as a result of your experience?
The project came at an important time in the girls’ lives.
As they move into their teenage years, participation in sport often declines. Following the mobility, all of the girls have continued taking part in football and other sporting activities. The trip helped them develop resilience, independence and optimism about their future, while strengthening the bonds within the team.
Many of the girls have also reported increased confidence, improved communication skills and a greater willingness to embrace new opportunities. As one of the girls told me:
I was so proud I was trying new things. I had so much fun I am so grateful to have that experience, and I loved spending time with the girls.
The project also had a significant impact on our coaches. It strengthened our coaching practice, gave us fresh perspectives and insights, and helped us develop an even deeper understanding of the girls we work with.
More broadly, the project has also demonstrated the value of international collaboration in grassroots sport and the positive impact it can have on communities not only here in Pembrokeshire, but across Wales.
What was your personal experience of running the project?
The support from Taith was exceptional throughout both the application and the delivery of the project. The team were always on hand to provide guidance and support, which was invaluable.
I cannot recommend the programme highly enough the opportunities that arise from experiences like these are incredible and can have a lasting impact on everyone involved. The trip surpassed all of our expectations and has genuinely been life-changing for the players, coaches and wider club.
The level of joy and enthusiasm throughout the trip was unforgettable, I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed so much happiness in one place. These are memories that will stay with us all for years to come, and this opportunity simply wouldn’t have been possible without Taith’s support.
