North Wales footballer representing England in Spain promotes organ donation

Harry Lockley, a 24-year-old transplant recipient from Towyn, has returned home after representing the England Transplant Sport Football Team in a warm-weather training camp and international friendly in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain.

A player for Rhyl-based club NFA in the Tier 3 Ardal North West League, Harry underwent a Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant in October 2023. He was part of the squad that secured a thrilling 8-5 victory over the Spanish Transplant national side.

The trip served as vital preparation for the upcoming Transplant Football World Cup, which will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, In September 2026.

England entered the camp high in confidence having been crowned European Champions last April after a dominant performance in Radley, Oxfordshire. This latest victory in Spain solidifies their status as one of the tournament favourites heading into the World Cup, looking to go one better than their semi-final loss to the Spaniards in Cervia, Italy in 2024.

Manager Daley Cross said: ‘This Team are a group of players that are getting better and closer together with each trip. The British Transplant Games and Transplant Active offer clear pathways to this team, as well as elite level competitions in a variety of other sports.

“Right now, we are building a really strong side and looking for sponsorship as the team is completely self-funded to help pay for the upcoming world cup trip.’

During the trip, the team was hosted by the Football Federation of Castilla-La Mancha (FFCM). Beyond the pitch, the players were immersed in Spanish culture, visiting the iconic windmills of La Mancha made famous by Don Quixote, and sampling local cuisines and wines.

The squad also travelled to Madrid for a behind-the-scenes tour of the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid.

Reflecting on the experience, Harry said: “Representing my country is an honour I never thought possible after my diagnosis. The trip to Spain was an incredible experience, both for the quality of football and the hospitality we received. Winning 8-5 against a tough Spanish side shows we are ready for the World Cup in Frankfurt next year.”

The Transplant Football World Cup, organized by the World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF), aims to highlight the success of organ donation and the incredible physical resilience of recipients.

For players like Harry, these matches are a celebration of the gift of life.

Harry, also a former player with Denbigh Town, Conwy Borough and Rhyl FC, added: “I hope my journey encourages people to register as organ donors. It truly is the greatest gift you can give, and I’m living proof of the second chance it provides.”