A NEW breed of Cardiff City supporter has been discovered – the Kenyan Bluebird.
The Cardiff City Supporters Trust organised a day of footballing activities for eight ‘active citizens’ from Kenya.
This included a tour of the Cardiff City Stadium, a presentation from the club’s Football in the Community team and a visit to the Gôl Centre in Leckwith to see young people coaching football.
Former City star Scott Young and his team showed how children’s behaviour, health and literacy can all be improved through football.
Trust members also had a chance to tell the Kenyan visitors about the need for the supporters’ voice to be listened to by the club and of the links being built with the local community around the new stadium.
The day, which was organised in conjunction with the British Council, was rounded off with an international seven-a-side match.
All the men and women visiting Wales took part along with members of the Trust and other people living near the Gôl Centre.
The Kenyans, some of whom coach football sessions themselves in Mombasa, were deeply impressed by the way Cardiff City club works in the community.
‘Active Citizens’ from Cardiff have already visited Kenya and the Sudan to see how young people there get involved in voluntary community work.
Katiba Mkungu from Kenya said: “I am thrilled to play my part in Active Citizens programme and can’t wait to try to apply your ways of working with youngsters in my own country. Football is a powerful tool in community building.”
Supporters’ Trust Chair Tim Hartley added: “It was great to be able to show our friends from Kenya what a force for good football can be. Some of them are already coaching in a scheme called ‘Football for Peace’ which aims to stop ethnic violence between communities in Kenya by bringing people together through football.
“They were impressed with the Cardiff City Stadium and all the work the club is doing in and around Cardiff. Premiership football is followed closely across Africa. Two of the Kenyans were Arsenal supporters before they came to Cardiff. But they have seen the light and are now hoping to start up the ‘Kenyan Bluebirds’ to support the boys next season!”
“Many good links were made between our visitors, the club and the Trust during the visit which we hope to build on. Our thanks go to the City’s Football in the Community team for their welcome and to the British Council for their partnership for this event.”