SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT RIGHTS OF CHILD DENIED PLACE IN FOOTBALL ACADEMY

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Sioned Williams MS secures commitment from First Minister to make representations on behalf of constituent

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, has raised questions about a Home Office rule that denies children who are seeking asylum from accepting places at football academies. 

While places for children at football academies are not ’employment’ as they receive no money, under current UK Immigration rules, academy players are classed as ‘professional sportspeople’ and therefore require a right to work, which asylum seekers do not have. 

The Football Association of Wales share Ms Williams’ concern that this policy unfairly limits opportunities for young players to develop their potential, and stated that they’ve made representations to the Home Office, but to no avail.

Addressing the First Minister in the Senedd today (Tuesday 18 November) Sioned Williams MS asked whether the Welsh Government would “press the UK Government to change this policy.“

Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), to which the Welsh Government has committed, Article 31 guarantees every child the right to participate in sport and recreation, and Article 2 protects them from discrimination.

Ms Williams also noted that the Welsh Refugee Council and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales have expressed concerns about the impact of immigration rules on children’s rights under the UNCRC – particularly their right to play, develop, and participate in recreational life.

In response, the First Minister promised to make representations to the UK Government on behalf of the child. 

Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said:

“This case, brought to me by a constituent, shows how Westminster policy can undermine the human rights that the Welsh Government says it wants all children in Wales to have. 

“This is obviously not about employment – it’s about inclusion, well-being, the right to play.

“While a rules-based immigration system is essential, when such inflexible rules are stopping children from playing football, and all that offers as regards good mental health, social inclusion, and children’s happiness, they must be looked at again.

“I’m glad to hear the First Minister promise to make representations to the Home Office on behalf of my constituent. 

“But let’s not forget that this is in the same week that we’ve heard about the Labour UK Government’s new cruel immigration policies that would see children in Wales potentially ripped from their communities and friends. 

“I was disappointed that when I asked the First Minister if she was concerned that these proposals would her undermine Government’s statutory commitments to uphold Children’s Rights, that she declined to answer.”