Fundraising team to compete in inaugural All Stars Cymru tournament
A TEAM of ice hockey players raising money for children’s hospice charity Tŷ Hafan will take to the ice in Cardiff this weekend as part of a new charity tournament bringing together teams from across Wales.
The inaugural All Stars Cymru competition will be held at the Vindico Ice Arena on Saturday, June 6, with four teams competing in a day of sport and fundraising.
The Tŷ Hafan All Stars team, made up of players from across Wales and beyond, will face teams representing Wales Hospice Care, Kidney Wales and the Barbarians, who are raising funds for a range of charitable causes.
Organisers say the event is being launched alongside the main UK Charity All Stars tournament, which alternates annually between Cardiff and Sheffield and is taking place in Sheffield this year.
The Cardiff tournament will begin at 2pm, with members of the public invited to attend and support the teams. Entry costs £5 for adults and £2 for under-16s, with tickets available on the day.
Helen Morgan, Senior Regional Fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan, said the charity was delighted to be involved.
“It’s fantastic to welcome this tournament to Cardiff this year, while the main tournament is taking place in Sheffield,” she said.
“Many thanks to our wonderful team who have been very busy preparing and training for the games, while also raising lots of money for Tŷ Hafan. We can’t wait to cheer them on.
“The All Stars have raised more than £100,000 since they started supporting Tŷ Hafan ten years ago.”
Team captain Matt Knight said it was an honour to lead the side.
“This is my fifth time in All Stars representing Tŷ Hafan and I’ve really enjoyed being captain of the team this year,” he said.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of such a great group of people supporting an amazing cause.
“I’m really looking forward to the tournament and seeing everyone come together again for another brilliant weekend of hockey and fundraising.”
Tŷ Hafan, based in Sully near Cardiff, is one of only two children’s hospices in Wales. The charity provides specialist palliative care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across the country.
The hospice currently supports around 300 children and young people, along with approximately 3,000 family members each year. In the Hywel Dda Health Board area, which includes Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, the charity is supporting 80 families.
Tŷ Hafan says demand for its services continues to grow, with 93 newly referred families receiving support during 2025, a 19 per cent increase on the previous year.
The charity estimates it will cost £8.4 million to provide its care services during 2026/27, with more than 80 per cent of funding coming from donations, fundraising activities and commercial ventures.
Supporters wishing to attend the tournament can purchase tickets at the Vindico Ice Arena on the day. Further information about Tŷ Hafan and its work can be found on the charity’s website.
