TEENAGER EARNS £35,000 SELLING VINTAGE FOOTBALL SHIRTS

Eleri Williams, aged 18, has generated more than £35,000 in profit through an online resale business selling vintage football shirts and has now opened a physical shop in Cardiff. Williams began the venture in 2023 whilst completing her GCSEs, initially reselling some of her father's old shirts from her parents' spare room. The business expanded significantly over three years, and she has stated that the profits will enable her to pursue a law degree at Cardiff University without incurring student debt. Williams described the success as "completely overwhelming" and "a surreal experience".

The young entrepreneur from Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, began by selling a small number of vintage shirts before reinvesting her initial profits into purchasing additional stock. The business eventually grew beyond her original expectations, which had been limited to earning pocket money for personal spending. Williams opened her shop in a Cardiff arcade this week following the accumulated success of her online operation. She has stated that the venture enabled her to travel across the United Kingdom and connect with other shirt sellers within the community.

Williams completed her A-levels and anticipates receiving results in September, placing her in what she describes as a "comfortable position" to attend university. Welsh students graduate with an average debt of £40,000, compared to £53,000 for those in England. The Welsh government has stated it will not freeze the loan repayment threshold applied in England and has backed a UK government move to cap interest on loans at 6 per cent.