As the Welsh Women’s football team embarked on their EURO 2025 Qualification Campaign at the weekend, the spotlight shines brightly on the progress and development of women’s football in Wales.
Over the past decade, women’s football in Wales has seen significant strides. Grassroots programmes have flourished, the domestic league has grown in stature, and the national team has consistently improved its performances on the international stage. These developments are a testament to the increasing investment and dedication towards nurturing female talent in the country.
The Welsh Women’s team recently welcomed a new manager, Rhian Wilkinson, who brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the squad. The previous manager, Gemma Grainger, laid a solid foundation with her emphasis on youth development and tactical discipline. Grainger’s tenure saw Wales nearly qualify for major tournaments, and her legacy is a team that is competitive and hungry for success.
Opportunities Beyond Playing
As recently researched by our BTEC Level 3 students in St. Martins School, the rise of women’s football in Wales has opened doors for female coaches, referees, and other roles within the sport. Initiatives by the Football Association of Wales have created pathways for women to pursue careers in non-playing roles, ensuring a more inclusive and diverse footballing community. This is something we also pride in PSG Academy Wales.
PSG Academy Wales: Our Commitment to the Female Game
At PSG Academy Wales, we are committed to promoting the female game through various programs and partnerships. Working with girls at Ysgol Gyfun Tredegar Comprehensive School as part of our Player Development Programme, we provide high-quality training sessions that cater to both newcomers and experienced players. Our “Open to All” philosophy ensures that every player, regardless of skill level, gets the chance to train the Parisian way.
In addition to our work at Tredegar, we run afterschool sessions at St. Martins Comprehensive School, which saw the Y7/8 girls team reach the Welsh Schools Cup semi-final.
Our Player Development Programme and Holiday Camps, which allow boys and girls to train together, have been particularly successful. This approach fosters confidence and skill development in a mixed-gender environment.
Moreover, our collaboration with Caerphilly Castle through taster sessions has engaged around 40 local female players, demonstrating our commitment to growing the sport throughout the community. We are excited to participate in the upcoming Caerphilly Tournament, where we will have a stand and offer insights into our programmes and how you can get involved!
Supporting Future Coaches
Beyond playing, we support our female students in achieving broader career goals in sports. Mentorship opportunities have enabled students to gain coaching experience under the guidance of our two female coaches. Next academic year, we plan to take aspiring coaches on visits to various facilities to shadow professionals, helping them gain valuable insights and experience.
Looking Ahead
As the Welsh Women’s team kicks off their qualification campaign, we wish them the best of luck and remain hopeful that they will secure a spot in WEURO 2025. The progress of women’s football in Wales is a collective effort, and with continued support and investment, the future looks bright.