HMP Prescoed FC are the only prisoner football team in Wales and one of just a handful in the UK. They have played in the Gwent Central League Division 2 for over 20 years without problem or incident. This year however they have been refused entry into the league, a decision which the club have appealed against.

The Appeal Hearing has been scheduled for 15 Oct at 6.30pm. We need you to ensure Prescoed can play again. Please sign this petition and add your support to this campaign.

By participating in competitive football each week the players, all prisoners, are reintegrating into life after prison. To paraphrase the great Bill Shankly, football at Prescoed isn't just a game, it means something far more important than that. Football helps reduce reoffending by supporting positive mental health, helps their social skills such as team working, communication or leadership skills, and it helps immeasurably to promote good behaviour. You can find out lots more on HMP Prescoed FC, including a book, podcasts and articles featured in local and national press, such as the BBC and Talksport by clicking on this link.

The League have refused entry as follows:

1.  Safeguarding/welfare issues are mainly surrounding the age of players within the league.  
2. Sporting integrity issues in relation to the restrictions on away games for Prescoed.

In answer to (1) any opposition player under the age of 18 is allowed into the prison if accompanied by an appropriate adult, such as a senior player or coach, to play football as has happened each Saturday for 20 years previously.

In answer to (2), as prisoners, Prescoed have to play all their games at home, but this has never been an issue in the previous 20 years, so why now? Also, the pitch is privately maintained (it's not a park pitch) so it is an optimum playing surface for both teams. It has been used for training purposes by English football league clubs, Valencia, the Wales national team, Ukraine and others.

Please support this important campaign today. Thank you.