Firstly, and most importantly, thank you. To have followed this team closely since around 2018 has been a privilege. Whilst the lows have been low, the highs have been higher. From England in Southampton, the most remarkable 0-0 draw I’ve ever seen (where was the goal line technology by the way…) to Republic of Ireland in Dublin, via Russia in Newport. There have been some stunning performances which have made us all dream. For a time, all we ever could have was dreams. Dreams of ‘what if’ and ‘what’s next’.
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Those dreams came so close to reality in Switzerland 4 years ago. Those dreams will now be realised in the very country which gave us one of the worst lows that we have ever experienced. Inspirational.
The word ‘we’ is used a lot in football parlance. The reality here is ‘we’ is accurate. As a group in the past 8 or so years, where women’s football has been on the rise, that ‘we’ has included us as fans because of how you have behaved towards us. It’s positive. It’s engaging. It’s fun. It’s open. It’s letting people see what they can grow up to be. And young kids playing football can finally see what they want to grow up to be, because you have opened that door.
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On a selfish note, Ruth and I are exceptionally grateful for the time which the players in this tournament have give us over the years. We have been lucky enough to experience you sharing your time with us, as two friends who like talking about football. The access and the insight you have shared with us is as incredible as it is inspiring and we are truly grateful.
When the final whistle blew in Dublin, I like many others no doubt, had tears running down my cheeks onto lips smiling the happiest of smiles. When Wales qualified in 2015 ahead of France, I cried tears of joy for me. I had experienced the highs and lows and finally deserved that moment. This was different. This felt different. Weeks before the playoff final, we had the honour of interviewing Liv Clark who told us about her…antics…towards the end of games to ensure the clock runs away with itself. We laughed and said “imagine if we see you doing this in Dublin”. We did see it. And I celebrated it like it was a goal. The injurywhich Liv then used in Dublin, ultimately showed us something else though. We were bastards. The Welsh Way of being nice had gone and we were willing to do anything possible to get over the line. Physical and aggressive with the ball. Smart without it. For too long we have been too nice. Now were are nice when it suits us and that’s a big difference. And it’s class.
Embed from Getty ImagesAll of this wouldn’t have been possible of course, without the shoulders of those you stood on. McAllister. Ludlow. Green. Harries. Dykes. Harding. Ward. So many more here who deserve recognition and whilst they deserve it, this is about you. So use the broad shoulders of those who came before you to continue reaching upwards. Climb to the top of the mountain. Getting to the tournament isn’t enough for you. Nor should it be. We can achieve something this summer. We will.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs I look forward in my minds eye to Saturday 5th July, I can almost feel what I want that experience to be like. A sea of red, wedged in between the orange hoards. Y ddraig goch everywhere you turn. A few pockets of chants beginning pre match as the Swiss beer kicks in. A glorious day in Lucerne where everything comes to a juddering halt when the first eight introductory notes are sounded, and we are ready to unite – to share our passion. Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau shatters the evening air and we roar together as one. The hairs on the back of your neck stand tall and you grab the person next to you a little bit closer. We will all experience something special.
Embed from Getty ImagesWe will get to experience this moment and everything which follows, because of what you have done for us as fans. As a nation. For the sacrifices you have made, the effort you have put in and the heartbreak you have endured, just to keep coming back for more. For this moment. We are all truly grateful and whatever happens in the coming weeks you have created history. You will keep creating history. You have changed Welsh football. You have claimed the mountain.
Enjoy these moments, as they are once in a lifetime. We can’t wait to enjoy them alongside you, pushing you on to represent our nation so proudly.
Yma o hyd.
Dai Rees – Coleman Had A Dream @colemans_dream