The talented young girl footballers from Fishguard Sports AFC received a very special treat when they joined coaches Matthew 'Minty' Lamb and Zac Davies, plus most of their parents, in the Principality Stadium for the official handing over of the magnificent trophies for the European Cup Finals in Cardiff.
 
The European Cup will be played there whilst the ladies' version will be held at the Cardiff City Stadium and as an official ambassador for female football 'Minty' had been invited to carry the ladies version through the main streets of Cardiff.
 

'Minty’ organises invitation . . . and some kit

 
The original invitation was extended to him only but he insisted on having players from his under 10s, 12, 14s and 16s with him, rather than girls from the capital city, and it was finally agreed that he could ten and then a few more with him.
 
The coaches and the girls were provided with purple tee-shirts which were suitable emblazoned, plus wrist bands in the same colour and when Welsh FA also provided a full-size bus the girls'  parents were also invited, and 'Minty' also wangled seats for them in The Principality stands to see the ceremony.
 

Special walk from Cardiff Castle

 
The parade of trophies started outside Cardiff Castle, when Ian Rush carried out the European Cup and handed it to one of the trophy carriers, whilst 'Minty' received the women's version of the silverware from Jane Ludlow, the new Welsh Ladies' team coach.
 
With his players helping to form a guard of honour the trophies were carried down Queen Street and across to St Mary Street before 'Minty' handed over his silverware to another trophy carrier who carried for a while before handing it back to Jane Ludlow, who accompanied former Welsh legend Rush as it was carried into the ground via Gate Four.
 
After the official handing over the media-driven part of the day took place with official photographs and afterwards there was some food provided and then it was on to the bus for the journey home.
 

Special thanks for all involved

 
"Minty' thanked all the players and families for their support and parent Lisa Leyshon, whose daughters Ffion and Abbie were involved, thanked  'Minty' for the work he had done.

It was a view reflected by former Goodwick United player Barry Hayes, whose daughter Kayleigh was involved, and who told us,
"I've played in a local football for a long time and picked up my share of silverware but nothing could compare to this day, which was brilliant for us all.
 
"I know Kayleigh, like all the girls, had a wonderful day and so did we all as parents."
 
** Since then the Fishguard Sports Girls' teams have again finished another impressive season as they won the league titles at under 14 and 16 levels, whilst the relatively inexperienced under 12s came a creditable fourth to make if five titles out of six at the club in the past two seasons. **