This week, Wales women’s football team has the chance to make history and qualify for their first major tournament. Two victories against the Republic of Ireland would secure their qualification for Euro 2025. A record number of tickets have already been sold for the first game, at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday. The team’s 16,000-strong crowd will provide the home advantage the team needs to give them the best possible chance ahead of the second leg in Dublin on 3 December.
This historic moment is not lost on Gloria O’Connell, who played in the first-ever women’s international, which took place in the early 1970s, not long after the ban on women’s football had been lifted. Despite scoring, her team faced defeat in a 3-2 match against the Republic of Ireland, a fate she hopes the current Welsh team will avoid. Gloria believes that Wales has what it takes to win, and is confident that leading goal scorer Jess Fishlock will secure a hat-trick.
The growth of women’s football in Wales has been reflected in the increased participation, with a 45% rise since 2021. More than 15,898 women and girls participated in football during the 2023-24 season. National team games have seen a 198% increase in attendance, which has grown from an average of 1,800 to 5,370. The Wales women’s team’s success has contributed to the growth of Tondu United Football Club in Bridgend County, which was formed after the team’s success during the summer of 2016. The club now has over 250 girls playing for it.
Participation in girls’ football may also be facilitated by the influence of Wales women’s football team as role models. Gwennan, Caitlin, Esmae, and Amelie, who all play for Tondu United FC, say they enjoy playing with their friends and scoring goals, with special mentions made for favorite players Jess Fishlock and Ffion Morgan. Being able to go to the games and cheer on the players is also great fun.
Cerian Jenkins from Aberystwyth, who has been attending games since 2021, speaks of her confidence that the team can qualify for the Euros. Being part of the “red wall” of Welsh supporters has inspired her to take up the game herself. This women’s football team is so important to her as they have inspired her and given her the confidence to start playing football
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