Details of legacy fund celebrating Cymru’s first-ever Euros appearance announced

Sixteen projects that will share a £1 million support fund to celebrate Cymru women’s first-ever European championship footballing appearance have been announced.

The projects selected include screening events across Wales and the world; football engagement activities for young people; training and support packages for female coaches and referees; and cultural celebrations.

The purpose of the fund is to support projects that will promote Wales, project our values, particularly around equality and inclusion, and promote women’s sport, encouraging increased participation and creating a positive and lasting legacy.

Among the projects receiving funding are:

Two inclusive, one-day street football tournaments for women.

A dedicated Women’s Coaching Network and a campaign to dramatically increase the number of women and girls in football refereeing.

Murals in communities where Cymru players were born and began their football journeys.

Internationally focused classroom resources for primary schools across Wales and beyond to promote language learning, international collaboration, and engage pupils in women’s football.

A poet-in-residence to accompany the Welsh football team during their campaign to record and celebrate the team’s journey.

An international programme celebrating Welsh culture on a global stage including performances and workshops by female Welsh artists in Switzerland.

The team will kick off their campaign against the Netherlands on July 5, with games against France and defending champions England to follow, after securing their place in the finals with a dramatic victory in a playoff game against the Republic of Ireland in December.

Sports Minister, Jack Sargeant, said: “This investment is not just about celebrating Cymru Women’s historic Euro 2025 qualification, it’s an opportunity to create lasting change across Wales. From community murals to international cultural showcases, these innovative projects will inspire the next generation, promote Welsh values globally, and create meaningful pathways for women and girls in football.

“This Team Wales approach enhances our tournament presence and builds a legacy that will benefit communities long after the final whistle. Together, we’re using this platform to champion equality, celebrate Welsh culture, and demonstrate that Wales achieves more when we work as one.”

Criticised

In February Senedd members criticised the government’s plans to spend £800,000 less on securing a legacy from Wales’ historic appearance at the Women’s Euros compared with the men’s World Cup.

Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru’s shadow culture secretary, said: “Whilst I welcome the investment from the Welsh Government, I don’t accept that nearly half the funding allocated for the World Cup in Qatar is acceptable.

“After all, it’s the first time ever in the history of women’s football here in Wales that the team has qualified for any major tournament.

“It’s a huge opportunity, not only to promote Wales internationally but to promote participation … especially among women and girls as part of a preventative health strategy.”

According to an evaluation, the Welsh Government spent a total of about £3.8m on the 2022 World Cup including £1.8m on an equivalent legacy fund and £1.7m for marketing.