Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd champions women’s football

Already shining a spotlight on women’s football through the success of former pupil, Tianna Teisar, who plays football for Wales Under 19s and Bristol City Ladies’ teams, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd continues to encourage more female students to succeed in the game.

In a bid to inspire current learners, last month Tianna was invited to host a training session for the Year 7 and 8 female football team at the school.  Tianna said: “I was surprised at the number of girls involved in the session; when I was at school, there was just three of us playing football, now there is around 20 girls.  It’s great to see how the game has developed in terms of equality.”

According to the Football Association of Wales (FAW), women’s football is the fastest growing sport across Europe and represents the largest area of growth in Welsh football.  The FAW’s Women and Girls’ Football Strategy 2021 -2026 highlights plans to develop women and girls’ football through doubling investment in the game, amongst other tactics - aiming to have 20,000 women and girls playing by 2026.

Girls from the school’s football team all agreed that the visit from Tianna was inspirational, allowing them to meet someone who has paved the way to where they would like to be in the sport. One of the learners commented: “Tianna is an inspirational figure for young people like us, especially as she has come from the same school and has the same background as us.” 

The pupils clearly identified with Tianna who has demonstrated that it is possible to reach for personal goals, whatever they may be, and accomplish them.  Another pupil added: “She has shown us that if you want to do something, if you work hard, you can achieve it.”

Headteacher, Meurig Jones, said: “We were delighted to welcome Tianna back to the school! To see a young woman succeeding in football, and from Llangynwyd, is a worthy cause for celebration! We are hoping that Tianna’s visit will inspire some of the girls to continue to work hard and to succeed in whatever field they wish!”

It’s wonderful that sports which have been traditionally male dominated, like football, are becoming increasingly accessible to all. Well done to the school for dissolving stereotypes and promoting such sports to everyone.

What a fantastic achievement for Tianna and what an amazing role model she is. It’s clear that her involvement in the school has impacted the pupils and has allowed them to know that anything is possible if they work hard; that even if the path to where you wish to be isn’t clear, you can create your own path.

Councillor Martyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Services

Images: Year 7 and 8 girls’ football team with Tianna Teisar.