For participants under 13, an adult ally (for example, a teacher, youth worker, parent, or mentor) must complete the submission on your behalf. The story itself should be written in the young person’s own words and perspective. The adult’s role is purely administrative, ensuring safeguarding requirements are met and that you are supported through the process. This is simply to make sure we’re following safeguarding best practice and that you’re supported throughout the process by someone who knows your journey.
I am 13+ submitting my own changemaker story
Name
Role / Relationship to the young person
Email address
Preferred Contact number
Organisation or school name (if applicable)
Name of young person or team
Ioan Walters
Date of Birth
2011-08-21
If you are between 13 and 18 years old, please download this form, have your legal guardian fill it and then upload here.
Location (city or town)
Caephilly
School or community group name
Wattsville FC
Category of story
Sport & Inclusion
Title
Making Football Accessible for Everyone.
Tell us your changemaking story.
I first noticed the problem through my involvement in grassroots football. Week after week, I could see how much effort clubs were putting in just to keep going, yet so many challenges were being faced. Matches were constantly being postponed due to waterlogged pitches, opportunities for young players—were being limited, and many clubs simply didn’t have the resources or visibility they needed to grow. What stood out most to me was how much good was happening that no one was seeing. I decided to use the skills I had—photography, design, and social media—to try and make a difference. I started by offering my services to my local club and the Gwent County Girl League to help raise funds and awarness. I now make matchday programs, run social media accounts, provide photography, sponsor 2 clubs and help coach an u9s team as they were struggling for helpers. I am 14 years old.
How do you hope your story will inspire others?
I hope my story shows others that you don’t need to wait until you’re older or in a certain position to make a difference. I started by simply noticing something that didn’t feel right and using the skills I already had to try and help. I want other young people to realise that their ideas and actions matter, even if they seem small at first. Whether it’s through sport, creativity, or supporting their community, everyone has something they can offer. You don’t have to fix everything—you just have to start somewhere. I also hope it encourages people to look at their local community differently. There are so many people doing amazing things that go unseen, and sometimes all it takes is one person to shine a light on that and bring others with them. If my story inspires even one person to step forward, get involved, or support something they care about, then that’s a success to me.
Who else is collaborating with you on this?
I have been working closely with Wattsville FC and the Gwent County Girls League to help improve grassroots football in our area, particularly for young players and girls’ football. With Wattsville FC, the focus has been on raising awareness and supporting efforts to improve pitch conditions. Ongoing issues like waterlogged pitches have led to a large number of postponed matches, even late into the season. This doesn’t just affect football—it impacts players’ wellbeing, routine, and social connections. For many young people, football is a key outlet for physical activity, mental health, and friendship, so missing games regularly can be really frustrating and discouraging. With the Gwent County Girls League, my work has focused on improving visibility and promoting opportunities for young females in football. By providing photography, designing matchday programmes, and helping share content, I’ve aimed to raise awareness of girls’ football and give players the recognition they deserve.
I confirm that all information submitted is accurate and that I have obtained all necessary consents for participation and media use.
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I understand that selected stories may be featured in the UK Changemaker Showcase and that Ashoka UK may contact me regarding next steps.
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I understand that this is not a competition but a celebration of youth leadership and changemaking.
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User Email
[webform_submission:original:user:mail]
