With league seasons coming to an end across Europe, the attention of fans, players, and coaches alike now turns to Euro 2025. This year’s competition will be held in Switzerland throughout the month of July and will include debutants Wales. Having overcome their neighbours from across the Irish Sea, the Republic of Ireland, to reach the tournament, Wales have been drawn against some giants of the women’s game.
They will face England, France, and the Netherlands in Group D, all of whom will prove to be tough challenges. However, Wales have proven in recent months that they are up to such challenges, notably drawing both home and away against Sweden, who are currently sixth in the world rankings. Nevertheless, qualification for the prestigious tournament in itself is something to celebrate for Wales.
Whilst Wales’ qualification should indeed be celebrated, manager Rhian Wilkinson believes there is more at stake than just what happens on the pitch. For her, the tournament represents something much bigger: a chance to challenge outdated ideas about sport in Wales and to allow girls and young women the same opportunities as their male counterparts. At a recent press conference, Wilkinson reflected on how her playing and coaching experience in Canada and the United States, nations in which women’s football has long enjoyed strong support compared to the situation in Wales.
She explained that in countries like Canada, the men’s and women’s games developed alongside each other, which meant that the imbalance seen in Wales didn’t occur. “‘Culturally behind’ is harsh”, she said, referring to a comment she had made in December. She clarified the statement, stating that what she meant was that “it hasn’t been the norm across Wales for girls and young women to have the same opportunities as boys and young men”. She specifically made reference to this problem existing in both “school and in club”.
Wilkinson highlighted the hypocrisy found in schools, stating that “If you were a parent to a boy and a girl, and the school said your boy could take maths and science, but your girl couldn’t, you’d have a problem with that.”. Her message is clear: the first step to levelling the playing field is through breaking down those cultural assumptions that restrict choice and access in schools. Wilkinson spoke about how her mother didn’t have access to football growing up in Wales, and so didn’t know what opportunities to fight for.
It wasn’t until Wilkinson moved to Canada that she experienced what true access looked like and was able to take the stances she takes today. This is why inclusion in sports at an early stage is a vital step in creating equal opportunities. Wilkinson clarified the situation, explaining the reasoning behind the situation in Wales, saying “It’s not because people don’t care — I’ve never seen anyone love family more than the Welsh people,” she explained, “It’s just how it’s always been.
For Wilkinson, this summer’s Euros could be a turning point. She saw the cultural shift in England after their Euro 2022 win, having been a part of the project. England’s success led to an increase in visibility, investment, and pride in the women’s game.
Now, she hopes Wales can follow suit. “I think this is a moment in time for our young girls and our women”, she said. With the Euros fast approaching, Wilkinson’s focus is not just on results, but on using the spotlight to push for long-term change. She envisages a sport which is not only for men, but for everyone.