Latest news with #ChwaraeFORHER
Cambrian News
5 days ago
- Sport
- Cambrian News
Welsh clubs unite on Coronation Street during Wales' historic Euro 2025 debut
The celebration comes as the finale of the FAW's 'Chwarae FOR HER' week-long national celebration (5-13 July), which has seen over 50 clubs and local authorities deliver football activities across Wales to inspire women and girls to get involved in the game. 'Chwarae FOR HER' showcases the power of the game for women and girls across Wales.
Leader Live
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Flintshire clubs to represent Wales on Coronation Street set
Next weekend, Buckley Town and FC and Northop Hall Girls FC will join the Big Football Day celebration on the Coronation Street cobbles - just 24 hours before Wales makes its historic debut at UEFA Women's Euro 2025. The clubs will showcase the grassroots transformation that has helped build the foundation for Wales's first-ever appearance at a major women's tournament when they face defending champions England in Switzerland. The celebration comes as the finale of the FAW's "Chwarae FOR HER" week-long national celebration (July 5-13), which has seen over 50 clubs and local authorities deliver football activities across Wales to inspire women and girls to get involved in the game. "Chwarae FOR HER" showcases the power of the game for women and girls across Wales. Emma Iball, of Buckley Town FC, embodies Wales's footballing transformation. Told she couldn't train with boys in 1983, she has created the North East Wales Girls' Football League, serving 250 primary school girls across the region through monthly sessions at National Lottery-funded facilities. "Now there's not going to be another girl disappointed like I was," said Emma, whose dedication earned her FAW Volunteer of the Year in 2020. Emma Iball (Image: Newsquest) Northop Hall Girls FC, founded in 2008, has become Wales's third-largest female football club with over 200 players. The club has received over £20,000 in National Lottery grants and produced notable alumni including Liverpool's Mia Parry and Wales international Elise Hughes. The transformation reflects significant National Lottery investment in Welsh women's football. In 2024/25 alone, women's and girls' football in Wales received £332,972 in National Lottery funding, helping the FAW double its investment in female participation. This support has enabled the FAW to launch programmes including Huddle - fun, friendly sessions where girls aged 4-11 fall in love with football - and a community built by teenage girls for teenage girls, providing relaxed football sessions for 12-16-year-olds. Additional National Lottery funding includes £250,000 for the Elite Centre in Wrexham (Colliers Park). The event features six interactive zones with former Wales international Katie Sherwood and former England star Jill Scott, alongside Coronation Street actors Jenny McAlpine (Fizz) and Alan Halsall (Tyrone). The 48 young footballers aged 12-16 from National Lottery-supported clubs across England and Wales will experience freestyle skills sessions, team challenges, and meet-and-greet opportunities on the iconic set. MORE NEWS: As Wales prepares for its groundbreaking tournament debut on Sunday, the two Flintshire clubs represent the community foundation that made this achievement possible. Their presence on the Coronation Street cobbles celebrates how far Welsh women's football has come through initiatives like "Chwarae FOR HER" and the opportunities now available for the next generation. From Emma Iball's determination to transform disappointment into opportunity, to young players now dreaming of following and Flintshire's Elise Hughes to the professional game, the grassroots revolution in Wales continues to build momentum.
