Wales’ young talent urge girls to get on the ball

CARDIFF hosted a thrilling Uefa Women’s Champions League final last week and now some of Wales’ brightest female prospects have revealed how the game has improved their self-confidence.

Last Thursday’s women’s showpiece final at the Cardiff City Stadium saw Lyon keep hold of the cup by beating Paris St-Germain 7-6 on penalties after a 0-0 scoreline at full-time.

The match was attended by 22,433 people and watched around the globe, a testimony to the game’s rising popularity. And the future is looking bright for Wales’ young female talent.

Earlier this year, Wales’ under-15 girls stormed to an historic victory in the Bob Docherty Cup in Dublin.

Fifteen-year-old Jasmine Simpson of Rhydyfelin LFC – who has scored in excess of 440 league goals for her club in four years – said: “I’d say to younger girls now to give football a go and to keep believing in yourself. It’s a brilliant sport for making new friends, to keep fit and to be healthy.

“I was really shy. I didn’t like answering questions at school but now I contribute so much more. Even teachers have noticed the difference.”

Fourteen-year-old Bristol City winger Ellen Jones agreed. The Bristol City winger – who is moving to Cardiff to be nearer the Welsh set-up – has already tasted success as a Wales international in the Bob Docherty Cup.

“Playing for Wales gives you such an amazing feeling. I attend Wales training every Wednesday at Ystrad Mynach with Jayne Ludlow (Wales women’s manager) and Rhian Skinner. It’s so good to be coached by the national team manager. They give you loads of advice.”

Grace Godwin, an Aston Villa defender, from Barry, also believes football has helped her off the pitch. The 14-year-old said: “Football’s a really good escape from the pressures of exams and homework. I feel I am doing better at school because I relax and don’t get too stressed.”

The South Wales Women’s and Girls’ League has grown by 57% in 12 months.

Neil Ward, CEO of the FAW Trust, said: “We are proud of the work we are doing to increase the number of women and girls playing – in recent years, we set up a national league and regional performance structure. And are training up more female coaches.”

To find out more, visit www.welshfootballtrust.org.uk