FAW using ‘Cymru’ asserts Welsh identity in the world, says language campaigner

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) using the word ‘Cymru’ to describe the team, asserts Welsh identity to “the world”, according to a language campaigner.

Ffred Ffransis, of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg believes that football is being “increasingly used” in communities in Wales to do so, and highlighted FAW as an example.

Wales’ football governing body uses the @Cymru Twitter handle on one of its accounts and tweets in both Welsh and English. It also has a FAW.Cymru website.

Ffrancis told The Guardian: “Football is increasingly a way in which people and communities in Wales are asserting their identity and place in the world.

Charles Ashburner, who runs Mr Flag in Swansea, said he had noticed a change in what fans were looking for in their flags.

He said that in 2016 he sold a lot of generic flags and Welsh dragon bunting. However, this time people are asking him for customised flags: “There have been many more who want the word ‘independence’ on their flags, or slogans in Welsh rather than English.”

‘Positive platform’ 

Plaid Cymru MS, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said: “The belief in Wales’s ability to succeed on and off is growing, and while there’s always a danger of over-politicising sport, it is a positive platform for many to express our aspirations for our nation – whilst in the more immediate future willing the ball into the back of the net as football fans.”