£1m fund launched to mark Wales women’s EURO 2025 qualification

As Wales head to a first-ever major women’s football tournament this summer, a £1 million fund has been launched to build on their success.

Rhian Wilkinson’s Wales have qualified for EURO 2025, which will be held in Switzerland this July – and will face the Netherlands, France, and reigning champions England in the group stage.

The Welsh Government funding will aim to use the team’s success to inspire future generations and boost sports participation across Wales.

As part of the fund, grants will be given to organisations across the culture, arts, sport, and media sectors.

Jack Sargeant, the Welsh Government’s minister for sport, described Wales’ qualification as “a unique opportunity to build upon the growing momentum in women’s and girls’ football across our nation”.

He said: “We’re committing this £1million to boost participation in sport across our communities and showcase Wales on the international stage.”

Mr Sargeant said the Welsh Government was taking a “collaborative approach” by “bringing together partners from across multiple sectors… to create a lasting legacy from this tournament”.

Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), said: “With the team putting Wales on the world stage in Switzerland, we have the potential to come together to celebrate, to challenge negative gender stereotypes and to boost participation in football at all levels.

“We want everyone across Cymru to be able to feel a part of this extraordinary moment, no matter where they are, and this fund will help to make that vision a reality.”

Organisations interested in receiving grant money from the fund have until Friday March 7 to submit their initial expressions of interest. Final decisions will be announced by Friday April 18.