Da Iawn Merched.

There’s an old saying here in Wales: ask a Welsh person who they’re supporting, and they’ll say, “Wales, or whoever’s playing against England.” It’s a half-joke, half-truth we wear lightly, rooted in a bit of friendly rivalry and a lot of national pride. Cymru am byth.

But over the past few weeks, watching the Lionesses, Wales, and all the other national teams at the Euros, and seeing the impact it’s been having at home, I’ve found myself feeling something different. I could support any team, regardless of who they’re playing.

Because it feels bigger than borders or team colours.
It’s been a celebration, of women, of taking part, and of the power of visibility.

And while dance is my first love, what I’m discovering is that something else comes above it all. Whether it’s football, ballet, tag rugby or music, the thread that ties it all together is community, connection, and creating opportunities for our children and young people to thrive, now, more than ever.

And if that’s the aim? I’m all in.
Whatever the team. Whatever the activity.

It’s hard to quantify the ripple effect of what the Lionesses have achieved, but I know we’ll feel it.
We’ll feel it in schoolyards, in five-a-side teams, in girls daring to take up space, try something new, or keep going where they once stopped.

It won’t be exclusive to England, it’ll be felt across our nations for generations.

And while the Lionesses' achievement is monumental, my admiration for the Wales women’s team grew even further.

I recently watched a programme about Welsh women’s football over the past two decades, (it’s on iPlayer, go watch it) and honestly, I was glued. The grit, the heartbreak of near-misses, corrr! I was especially taken with Helen Ward: what a woman. Her dedication, her goals, her leadership, not for fame or glory, but for Wales. My son and I were sat there going, ‘No way!’ and ‘Wow, I can’t believe they did that.’

It made me reflect on how far the women’s game has come, and how much those early players fought with so little. Their tenacity laid the foundations. And this year’s Euros? It felt like a turning point.

So while I cheer for the Lionesses, I do so with a broader gratitude. For all the women, in red, white, and every colour, who’ve made this moment possible.

On the day of the final, I went to a brilliant art display curated by some fabulous friends. The work was by local artists, and I happened to bump into someone I used to teach, a little boy who often danced in groups full of girls. I last saw him playing rugby at the Principality Stadium with his youth team. Now? He’s trained as a blacksmith, selling handmade iron sculptures and doing brilliantly.

He didn’t grow up to be a dancer or a rugby player, but the confidence, creativity, and connection he built in those spaces helped shape who he’s become. That’s what sport and the arts can do, when they’re made available and accessible.

So yes, I’m in awe of the Lionesses, of all they’ve achieved and all that’s still to come.
My own son and daughter proudly wear their Sport Blue Peter badges, and I always remind them: they were designed by Leah Williamson.

And while my heart is Welsh, and I’ll always love what Jess Fishlock has done this year to inspire so many young women in Wales, I know this win will lift girls across the UK, including here.

Just like the ripple effect the men’s Welsh squad qualified for the World Cup. That run sparked grassroots projects, brilliant initiatives between the arts and sport, a celebration of an old Welsh song (you know the one), and the Welsh language on centre stage through the arts and sports. Yma o hyd innit.

I can’t wait to see the Jess Fishlock effect take root in Wales, and bloom into new opportunities for our children.

Recently, I took on the role of secretary at our local football club, because I’ve realised: this community, right here, is the most important thing I can nurture for my children’s future.
When we give kids places to belong, to try, fail, succeed and grow, we build the kind of circular ecosystem that raises resilient, joyful adults.

I used to hate the money and glorification in football.
(OK, I still do. Some of it is obscene and super gross.)

But some things are worth celebrating.
Some wins go beyond the pitch.
Cheesy? Maybs. Absolutely actually. But it’s true.

So here’s to all the women’s teams.
Here’s to visibility. To girls being seen. To communities stepping up.
And to sport, and dance, and everything in between.

Da iawn, Merched.
You’ve done more than win a final, eto.
You’ve created a new future.