Graig y Rhacca man to lead Wales at Transplant Football World Cup

A Graig y Rhacca man will lead Wales into an international tournament this autumn.

Harry Bailey is head coach of the Wales transplant football team for this year’s Transplant World Cup in Germany.

The tournament will take place in Frankfurt from September 13 to September 19, with Wales competing against some of the world’s leading transplant football nations.

Up to 20 nations are expected to compete, including England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, Germany and Chile.

Matches last 40 minutes and the competition begins with a round-robin stage played over three days. The top teams will then progress to the semi-finals and final on the tournament’s closing day.

Harry’s squad is made up entirely of transplant recipients, including players who have received donated kidneys, hearts, lungs and bone marrow. Many underwent their life-saving operations during childhood.

The team trains every other Sunday in Bridgend, bringing together players from across the country.

In recent years, the Welsh side has grown significantly, evolving from a casual kickabout into a team capable of competing on the world stage.

Harry said: “Being the coach of the transplant team has been a great experience. I’ve learnt so much.

“Some of the players’ journeys and experiences are truly inspiring, and I’ve loved doing it.”

While the team has received funding support from the Football Association of Wales, players and staff are continuing to raise money to cover the remaining travel and accommodation costs for the trip.

The cause has particular significance for Harry and his family.

In 2015, Harry’s father, Rob Bailey, who now serves as the team’s goalkeeping coach, donated a kidney to Harry’s older sister, Hollie, after she suffered kidney failure.

Last weekend, Rob, alongside fellow coaches John Murphy and Anthony Fox, and defender Stewart Cleaver, completed the Three Peaks Challenge to help raise funds for the team’s journey to Germany.

The quartet climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), covering 23 miles and a total ascent of 3,064 metres.

Their efforts raised more than £5,500 towards the Wales team’s World Cup campaign.

Visit JustGiving to make a donation to the team’s fundraising efforts.