What does football and farming have in common here in Wales? Both begin at grassroot level, both are the fabric of many rural communities and both are placing women at the forefront of sports and agriculture in the 21st Century.
At a special event at FUW’s pavilion on the Showground this week [2pm, Tuesday 23 July] Cymru Women's National Team manager, Rhian Wilkinson joins our very own, FUW Insurance Officer, Danielle Walker who also plays for Berriew FC. The debate will be chaired by Caryl Roberts, FUW group business development manager to discuss how sports and agriculture’s attitude towards women has changed in recent years.
Taking on the role of Cymru manager back in February this year, Rhian Wilkinson has herself had a successful professional career as a player and coach in Canada and the United States.
Her Welsh bloodline comes from her Welsh mother, but part of Rhian’s childhood was spent growing up in South Wales. Her mum lobbied for a more inclusive sports policy at her former primary school in Bontfaen 25 years ago, as football was not available for girls at the time. A true role model for Rhian, who is now herself a female ambassador to young players, we look forward to hearing more about Rhian’s career, her Olympic Games and World Cup experiences.
Danielle Mills, a Berriew Football Club player feels honoured to sit with the Cymru women head coach at this event. An Insurance Officer for FUW in Montgomeryshire, Danielle shares her experiences of playing football and her work in the agricultural industry within a rural area, Danielle will offer an insight into how both industries have developed in recent years and given women more opportunities.
Rhian Wilkinson said: “I’m delighted to attend this FUW event at the Royal Welsh Showground this week. I’ve been to the show several times in the past and I’m very proud of my family’s Welsh farming history.
"I’m keen to discuss the FAW’s strategy of recognising the importance of football at grassroots level and the investment we’re looking at in facilities and resources to support clubs to grow and develop.
“We know that this can make a huge difference to communities, many of whom the football club is the only remaining community asset. Football can bring the community together, it gives a sense of belonging, similar to the farming community. Both can help improve people’s health and mental well being whilst also contributing to a vibrant and sustainable rural Wales.
“Football and farming are both essential threads in the fabric of Welsh society. Each contributes a huge amount to local communities, the economy, the Welsh language, culture and heritage. Both also form a part of the national picture and put Wales firmly on the world stage.”