Ukrainian boy welcomed into North Wales 'football family' as he joins Corwen FC session

A four-year-old Ukrainian boy who recently moved to Denbighshire with his mother after fleeing the conflict in their homeland has trained with a local football club for the first time. The youngster joined in with the fun football session put on by Corwen FC - and loved every minute of it.

Jemil and his mother have moved in with her sister, who is married to a local man named Dylan Jones. Unfortunately, Jemil's father is still in the family's homeland of Ukraine.

An online course on Ukrainian culture and language is to be launched to help UK families hosting refugees. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, more refugees are expected to come to Wales and the UK.

The football club have been praised by locals and football fans across North Wales for the gesture, as the club provided Jemil with his own kit. Corwen FC committee member Ian Evans said Jemil thoroughly enjoyed the session.

He said: "Corwen FC welcomed Jemil, who has recently moved from Ukraine to Corwen to live with family. Jemil has settled in well and loves Corwen.

"He came along for his very first fun football session tonight and by the look on his face you can see he enjoyed every second. The club arranged for him to be kitted out with the best badge in North Wales.

"We look forward to welcoming Jemil back at future training sessions. The club send their best wishes to Jemil's family and friends still in Ukraine."

Speaking to North Wales Live, Mr Evans added: "It really was one of the best nights seeing that young lad bounding around with the biggest smile on his face, just class. He's part of the Corwen FC football family now."

Tim Williams of Spirit of 58 in Bala said: "Just brilliant. Well done all, got a shirt here for the lad too."

Wendy Lloyd