Ruth looks at the wider demands of being the Welsh coach, and the expectations for Gemma Grainger.
Gemma Grainger’s reign kicks off
With the arrival of Gemma Grainger, Cymru are turning the page on the women’s team’s most successful period. In some respects, Ludlow’s reign could be viewed as a ‘stand-still’. The team’s ranking was #32 when she took over in October 2014 and #31 as she exited in February. Those simple numbers, of course, miss the point.
Between 2016 and 2020 female participation in organised football in Wales increased 50%, with 8,600 girls and women being part of registered teams one year ago. Obviously COVID has stymied advances since, but the FAW was (is?) aiming for 20,000 female players by 2024.
With other initiatives such as Huddle, which ‘aims to introduce girls aged between four and 11 to football in a fun, relaxed, sociable and friendly way to ensure they have a positive first experience of football,’ and the McDonald’s sponsored Fun Football challenges, the FAW Trust is pushing hard to reach that target.
Female focused performance centres are now scattered across the country. From Rhos-On-Sea/ Llandrillo-yn-Rhos to Llanwern, these venues focus on developing the elite amongst our young players.
The FAW Trust has also developed special modules aimed at coaches (regardless of gender) who are looking to help develop female players. As well as a few courses aimed just at female coaches.
The innovative Be Cymru campaign is beautifully affirming and should be followed by any ‘tweeny’ girl, regardless of her interest in football.
The manager’s role
The role of Cymru women’s team can’t be underestimated in these advances though. It is difficult to picture these sterling FAW efforts having the same traction, if the women’s team were not moving forward. Everyone’s enthusiasm is infectious; whether it’s Rhiannon Roberts joining in with Huddle events in various parts of north Wales, Ludlow at the Eisteddfod, or Nadia Lawrence and Ffion Morgan enjoying the football and sunshine at the Gwent Brownie Footy Fest. The determination to inspire and energise the next crop of players, regardless of level, shines through.
And this is where Gemma Grainger’s tenure will be key. A successful team is not just about the score line; it’s about the wider dreaming. I hope, of course, Grainger will be an aspirational, ambitious coach, but not just for the national team. I have no issue with the notion raised by some that this is a stepping-stone role for her. In fact, I rather hope it is, because that will only increase her motivation.
Central, though, needs to remain the holistic development goals aimed at driving female football forward across Wales. The national coach is the figure head of this advance. Grainger’s resume is full of good coaching, but the PR aspect of the role appears to be a new challenge for her. With the ongoing uncertainties at the FAW, the demands of being ‘the public face’ of the organisation may well fall solely on her shoulders for a little while. She will need to hit the ground running, on and off the field.
Photo credit: Kunjan Malde/FAW