Give it a go! Local ladies hope Euros will inspire others to play

Ahead of Wales women’s campaign in the Euros, which features Powys’ own Carrie Jones in the line-up, female footballers from clubs across the county are urging more women to pull on their football boots.

Players from Berriew, Llanfair and Welshpool have joined forces with Sport Powys which is on a mission to get us moving more often and has designed Let’s Go Powys; a website that makes it easier for people to find sports and activity opportunities across the county - from archery to Zumba – and everything in between including football clubs.

In Welshpool, centre-back Ceri Norris (right), 17, is encouraging women of all abilities to come along and have a go. At Welshpool Town Women’s FC, players range in age from their teens to almost 50 years old.

“Last season, we only had five players but now we have 20. Anyone who wants to come along to train for the fitness or for the social is welcome. You don’t have to play matches if you don’t feel ready.”

Norris, who also does a spot of commentating, adds: “The women’s game has definitely been on the rise since 2022 when England won the Euros. We see new teams starting up which is fantastic.”

The girls section is also on the lookout for new players with open sessions for girls aged 12-16 being held next Thursday (July 3) and a week on Sunday (July 6). More information is on their Facebook page.

Ellie Davies, 25, is ladies captain and centre-back for Berriew FC. They too have won their league this season, topping the North East Wales Women’s League with a 9-0 win over Northop. It’s also where Welsh midfielder Jones’ talents were nurtured.

Ellie was forced to play in her brother’s team as a child as there was no local girls’ side at the time. Of course, things have changed a lot since with girls’ football booming.

Ellie loves playing with Berriew FC – which boasts an age range from 16 to 40 - because it makes exercising more fun: “I prefer to be active with a group of people rather than going to the gym. I meet new people and make friends. Exercising is really good for you anyway but when it’s with a group of people that are full of laughter, it makes it ten times better.

“Sometimes after a long day at work, I don’t always feel like going to training but I always feel so much better afterwards. I’d encourage anyone to come along and have a go. We have key players that start matches but we have players that come on for part of a match or some that prefer to just do the training to keep fit. We have lots of socials too which is really good fun.”

Lucie Gwilt (right) will be heading to Switzerland to cheer Wales’ women on in the Euros. But back home, she is player and manager of Llanfair United FC, the most successful women’s team in Powys which plays in Tier 2 North. She is also a FAW council member.

And she says the women’s game in Powys is definitely on the rise: “The women’s and girls’ game is definitely growing. Girls want to play and they can see the Wales women doing well which is just massive. The FAW is really pushing attendance at women’s games and the players too are getting involved, visiting schools and clubs and are really positive role models.

“In Powys, lower league amateur teams are popping up where the focus isn’t on results, but rather inclusivity and having a go. Some women who have never played before are starting in their thirties and they’re playing to meet friends and improve their fitness and now they’re hooked!”

If you fancy playing football, why not check out Let’s Go Powys to find your nearest club. There are opportunities to play in Abermule, Llanidloes and Newtown.