Bluebirds embark on 125 supporter engagements in 2024/25

As we proudly celebrate our 125th anniversary, the Bluebirds will take part in 125 local community Engagements during the 2024/25 season.

Further strengthening ties with our passionate supporters, these special visits are our way of recognising local Bluebirds and celebrating the pillars of our communities throughout this historic campaign.

An overview of the engagements will be documented and shared, showcasing the strong bond between Cardiff City FC and our communities.

The Llanover Arms

Visit number 1 of 125 took place at The Llanover Arms in Pontypridd, a pub rich in history and with a connection to our Club. This beloved local establishment has been in the Richards family since 1899 - the very year Cardiff City FC was founded.

Evan James, who wrote the lyrics of the Welsh national anthem, was a regular at the pub in his time and even wrote a poem about the Llanover, which sits in the passageway today.

City defender Dimitrios Goutas had the pleasure of meeting the pub's landlord, John. His son, Dan, continues the legacy of running the Llanover Arms, passed down through the generations.

Over 70 & 75s World Cup

We made our second stop at a truly inspiring event—the Over 70 & 75s World Cup, held at the Cardiff City Academy pitches in Llanrumney. 

This annual tournament brings together teams from around the globe, featuring players who once graced the professional and semi-professional football stages. It's a testament to the enduring love for the beautiful game, even well into the later years of life.

On the second day of the tournament, City's Cian Ashford and Matthew Turner joined the action, witnessing the remarkable skill and passion on display, catching up with ex-Bluebird Jimmy Mullen, who is involved in the tournament as the Assistant Manager of the Welsh team. 

Both the Wales Over 70s and Over 75s teams had enjoyed a scorching hot start to the group stages, showing that age is no barrier to competitiveness and determination.

A special birthday visit

In the third part of our 125 Supporter Engagements in celebration of our 125th anniversary, we continued our journey by honouring one of our most dedicated fans—95-year-old Jeffrey James, who has been a lifelong supporter of the Bluebirds. On his birthday, Cardiff City’s Calum Chambers made a special visit to Jeffrey’s home in Cardiff to celebrate this incredible milestone and to personally thank him for his unwavering support throughout the decades.

Jeffrey’s connection to Cardiff City FC runs deep, having travelled home and away to support the Bluebirds since he was a young boy. His passion for the Club is a testament to the loyalty and dedication that make Cardiff City supporters so special. Now, his son Peter James carries on the family tradition, running coaches for fans to travel to away matches, ensuring that the next generation of City fans can continue to show their support on the road.

During the visit, Calum sat down with Jeffrey to reminisce about the many years Jeffrey has spent following Cardiff City. To mark the occasion, Calum presented Jeffrey with a signed shirt from the first team squad, a small token of appreciation for his lifetime of dedication.

Visiting Gladstone Primary School

We continued our series of Supporter Engagements with a memorable visit to Gladstone Primary School. Built in 1899—the same year Cardiff City FC was founded—Gladstone Primary shares a special connection with the Club, making this engagement a fitting tribute to mark the milestone.

Joining the students for the day were Kion Etete from our Men’s First Team, Will Spiers from the U21s squad, as well as Megan Bowen and Hollie Smith from our Women’s Team. The players spent time with the children, sharing insights into their football careers and the journeys that led them to Cardiff City. The kids had plenty of questions, and the players were more than happy to offer advice, answer queries, and talk about the dedication it takes to succeed in football.

A Heartfelt Visit to a Lifelong Supporter

Callum O'Dowda recently visited David Jackson, a lifelong Bluebirds fan, at his home in Llanrumney. David, who has just turned 87, has supported Cardiff City since he was a young boy, and his unwavering dedication to the Club is truly inspiring.

In recent times, David has faced immense personal hardship, having lost his wife, brother, and daughter to cancer. Understanding the difficult challenges David has endured, Callum took time out to celebrate David’s birthday and to personally thank him for his many years of loyal support.

During the visit, Callum and David sat down for a heartfelt conversation about their shared love for the Bluebirds. David reminisced about his decades of following Cardiff City, recounting memorable matches and moments that have shaped his lifelong connection to the Club. In return, Callum shared stories from his own footballing journey, offering a unique perspective from a player’s point of view.

Celebrating Cnect Wales, A Valued Community Partner

David Turnbull paid a special visit to Cnect Wales, a proud and dedicated Cardiff City Stadium box holder at every home game. This visit was a celebration of the longstanding partnership between Cnect Wales and the Bluebirds, and it was an opportunity to honour the impact Cnect Wales has made on the Welsh economy and community.

Sandra Busby, a lifelong Cardiff City fan, is the heart and driving force behind Cnect Wales. Her commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as her dedication to people and customer service, has left a lasting mark on Welsh business. Under her leadership, Cnect Wales has managed two European Funded Welsh Graduate Programmes to develop future industry leaders and continues to contribute over £650 million annually to the Welsh economy.

During his visit, Turnbull took time to meet Sandra and the Cnect Wales team, recognising their years of support and dedication to Cardiff City FC. The visit was a wonderful reminder of the strong partnerships Cardiff City has fostered within the community and the contributions of businesses like Cnect Wales to the broader Welsh landscape.

A FUN-FILLED VISIT TO VICTORIA PRIMARY SCHOOL

We made our latest stop at Victoria Primary School in Penarth. Perry Ng and Anwar El Ghazi visited the school, bringing excitement and smiles to two Year 6 classes, each with 30 enthusiastic pupils. The visit began with a lively Q&A session, where the children eagerly asked questions about the players’ careers, life as professional footballers, and their favourite moments with the Bluebirds. Perry and Anwar shared their personal experiences and offered the young fans advice on the importance of hard work, perseverance, and following their dreams.

The day got even better when it was time to head outside for some football games. The players each led a team, encouraging the children to get involved, show their skills, and work together. The games were filled with laughter, competitive spirit, and plenty of teamwork—a core value that both Perry and Anwar emphasised throughout the session.