**Triumphant Farewell for Wales Women’s Football Team as Euro 2025 Adventure Begins**
The Wales women’s national football team received a buoyant send-off from devoted supporters at Cardiff Airport ahead of their historic appearance at Euro 2025. The 23-player squad, led by manager Rhian Wilkinson, departed for a training camp in Portugal before their long-awaited participation in the major championship in Switzerland this July.
Fans bedecked in red jerseys, proud Welsh flags and trademark bucket hats created a festive scene at the terminal, eager to offer their encouragement and best wishes. Many carried homemade banners, some hand-painted with the names of their footballing heroes, in a strong show of local pride. The air was filled with the upbeat rhythms of a steel band, whose performance energised the gathering crowd and players alike.
Inside, the atmosphere was equally warm as team members graciously signed autographs and posed for selfies with supporters. Sporting matching casual outfits from the Aligne brand, the squad were clearly appreciative of the outpouring of affection. The send-off provided a morale boost before embarking on several gruelling weeks away from home, with expectations high for a ground-breaking tournament.
Manager Rhian Wilkinson, who succeeded Gemma Grainger early last year, faces a challenging campaign. The official squad announcement took place in dramatic fashion at Wales’ highest summit, Yr Wyddfa, underlining the team’s sense of ambition. Wales finds itself in what pundits are already calling the “group of death.” They are set to open their campaign on 5 July against the formidable Netherlands in Lucerne, before heading to St Gallen for a clash against France on 9 July, and rounding off their group matches on 13 July against England.
Notably, captain Angharad James will marshal the side through their first ever major tournament. Another source of celebration came when Sophie Ingle, whose season was thrown into doubt by an ACL injury, was confirmed as fit for selection. Ingle’s return is seen by many as critical to Wales’ prospects, her experience and calm presence key qualities for a side hoping to defy the odds.
The significance of this tournament cannot be overstated for Welsh football. For the first time, the women’s senior side will test themselves on one of football’s biggest stages. Coach Wilkinson has often stated that this campaign is about more than results, emphasising the power of football to inspire a new generation of girls to dream big and pursue sporting aspirations.
Anticipation is also growing among the travelling support. Over 2,000 members of the ‘Red Wall’ — the passionate Welsh supporters’ club — have already committed to following the team to each group match in Switzerland. Their presence is expected to give Wales one of the largest and most vocal followings at the tournament, a testament to both the team’s achievements and the growing popularity of women’s football across the nation.
While the draw presents monumental challenges, the mood around the camp remains upbeat. Speaking before departure, several players reflected on the pride of representing Wales and the sense of unity within the squad. “It’s special to see so many out here, believing in us. We hope to make you all proud,” said one senior player.
As Wales embarks on its journey, hopes are as high as the summit where the squad announcement took place. Whether or not the team progresses beyond the formidable group stage, they have already succeeded in galvanising a country, inspiring future generations, and marking a new era in Welsh sporting history.