MASTERING DIVERSITY AND THE GLOVES ARE ON- TACKLING SPORTS
Rise of the Game-Changers: Young Girls, Big Dreams, and a New Era for Women’s Football
Something special happened on a muddy patch of grass in North Cardiff. No flashing cameras. No stadium echo. Just possibility — wide-eyed, determined, and wearing boots two sizes too big.
When Aston Villa goalkeeper and Wales U19 capped player Soffia Kelly walked onto the training ground of North Cardiff Cosmos, she wasn’t there as a football celebrity — she was there as a mirror. A reminder to every six-year-old kicking a ball in cold Welsh wind that the dream isn’t distant — it’s real, reachable, and wearing the same kit they do.
The visit was the first official activity of a new joint initiative between Mastering Diversity CIC and The Gloves Are On — the charity founded and led by Soraya Kelly, Soffia’s mother and a relentless advocate for equity, confidence and community change. The location was chosen not at random, but with heart: Mastering Diversity CEO Bernie Davies’ granddaughter Rosie — fierce, football-obsessed and only six — plays for North Cardiff Cosmos. So it began where meaningful change always begins: at home, with the next generation.
WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS
Women’s football is on the rise — but the statistics reveal the gap that still needs closing:
- 69% of boys play team sport compared with 47% of girls.
- 61% of girls in football report paying for their own kits.
- 43% say access to referees or structured support is lacking.
- And despite growth, men’s grassroots infrastructure still receives significantly more funding than the women’s game.
Jerome Webster, Mastering Diversity’s Youth and Community liaison — and a lifelong advocate for young people — puts it plainly:
A PODCAST WITH PURPOSE
To amplify the work beyond the pitch, Mastering Diversity and The Gloves Are On are launching a youth-led podcast in early 2026, spotlighting:
- Girls and women in sport
- Barriers and bias in the system
- Education and access
- Mental health, confidence and leadership
- Real-life stories from athletes, coaches, parents and schools
The aim: shift culture, influence schools, and give young people the microphone — not just the audience seat.
"DIVERSE VOICES" with JEROME AND SORAYA
Jerome
Jerome Webster, Mastering Diversity’s Youth and Community liaison — and a lifelong advocate for young people — puts it plainly:
“The numbers don’t lie. Girls aren’t short of talent, passion or grit — they’re short of access. They’re short of visibility. And they’re short of systems built with them in mind. This initiative isn’t just about football — it’s about rewriting the rules so the next generation doesn’t have to break down the same barriers.”
Soraya
Soraya Kelly- Founder of Gloves Are On Charity- "I Speak from first-hand experience and come from a mixed-race family. I understand the many cultural, social issues and day to day challenges that potentially could prevent young people from reaching their potential. I was lucky, my grandparents provided this support and gave me the confidence to approach life in a positive manner. "
2025 MASTERING DIVERSITY CONFERENCE Sponsors
TechCefacos
MASTERING DIVERSITY PARTNERS WITH TechCeFaCos
THE GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT AND INCLUSION SUMMIT 2025- Event Curated by Bernie Davies Patron and UN Main Representative for TechCeFaCos Group -Organization in ‘Special Consultative Status’ with the ECOSOC since 2013
ANTI-RACIST WALES 2030 FILM COMPETITION
LAUNCHED IN THE S4C SPONSORED EDUCATION ZONE AT THE 2023 CONFERENCE
ENDING WORKPLACE EXPLOITATION OF MIGRANTS IN WALES
Bernie Chairs the Advisory Panel
This project is run by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Wales, which is based in Swansea, South west Wales. The project serves the entire Wales and is seeking those who have a heart for building a fair work culture.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at Mastering Diversity and Inclusion Conference by focusing on the treatment of migrant workers in Wales and encourage businesses to partner with us, sign up to the migrant positive pledge and influence systemic change.
