Schoolboy inspired by TikTok sea shanty wins competition to create new Wales Euro 2020 chant

A schoolboy inspired by a popular TikTok sea shanty has been announced as the winner of a competition to create a new football chant to support Wales at Euro 2020.

Osian Jones from Aberaeron was announced as the winner of Gwlad y Chants competition today.

Wales FA alongside the Mentrau Iaith had called on all Welsh football fans to vote for their favourite new chant to support Wales at Euro 2020. The composer of the winning chant would have the oppportunity to visit a Wales squad training session in the future.

The competition was open to primary and secondary school children as well as adults with the winners of each category receiving a shirt signed by Wales’ Euro 2020 squad.

Topping the Primary school category and receiving the largest number of votes of all categories was Osian Jones with his ‘Sea Chanty’. Osian is a member of Felinfach Football Club u12 team and a pupil at Ysgo Ciliau Parc, Ciliau Aeron. His chant is inspired by the well-known sea shanty ‘The Wellerman’ that was popularised on TickTock in January 2021.

The winners of the Secondary school category was Ffotosynthesis group from Canolfan Glantaf, Cardiff with their ‘Joe Allen’ chant. The winners of the Adults category was Yr Un Tal group from Moelfre, Powys with their ‘Super Keiffer’ chant.

Discussing Osian’s chant, presenter of ‘Y Wal Goch’, Yws Gwynedd said: “I think this is my favourite ever! On point, on trend, bang on.”

Sioned Dafydd, ‘Sgorio’ reporter agrees; “I must say fair play Osian, because, out of all categories, he’s at the top of the table. Well done Osian, I’m a big fan.”

Gwlad y Chants competition was a collaborative campaign for Mentrau Iaith and FAW to encourage supporters to use a little bit more Welsh while cheering on the national football team.

Steffan Rees, Cered – Menter Iaith Ceredigion Community Development Officer, said: “We at the Menter Iaith are so happy that Osian has won this opportunity. It’s time now that everyone learns his chant to support Cymru at EURO2020! His ‘Sea Chanty’ is great, and we hope his success will encourage others to create more Welsh language football chants in the future.”

You can hear all of the winning chants here.