Wales' victory inspires next generation of players

Wales' success has reached new heights after qualifying for a major women's tournament for the first time - inspiring the next generation of players.

Dubbed "history makers", Wales came out on top against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Tuesday, securing their place in the 2025 Euros.

Support for women's football has grown in recent years, with a record breaking 16,845 fans attending the first leg qualifier in Cardiff and 25,832 supporters in Dublin.

Young players and parents say the increased visibility has been crucial in girls' grassroots football uptake, encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams.

"Cymru, the little girls have their eyes on you and they are already living it with you," said Marisa Teodósio, from Cardiff.

Her daughter Yasmin sobbed watching the qualifying game, and has hopes to play for Wales one day.

"Yasmin loves watching them, her eyes sparkle when the girls go on the pitch, it reflects when she plays herself, it's something for her to look up to."

Yasmin has been playing since she was five-years-old and her "love for the game grows day by day," she added.

Marisa said Yasmin could not fall asleep after the victory and proudly packed her Wales scarf and kit in her bag for school the next morning.

"It's so important to show the young generation what they can achieve and that the road might be long, but they can make it." said Marisa.

Influenced by watching Wales play, Marisa has also started playing football herself for the first time at the age of 45.

Speaking after they landed home on Wednesday, Wales' Gemma Evans said all they want to do is "inspire the next generation".

In a message to future footballers, she said "when you have barriers in front of you, you can always get over it, so keep believing like we have and look, we have finally made it".

Lily Woodham, who scored in the first leg in Cardiff, echoed Evans' hopes to influence young players and said it was what they had always wanted.

She added "for everyone watching, hopefully one day they will be playing with us".

Laura O'Sullivan said she was proud of being a role model for aspiring players that wish to be in their position.

"For the next generation coming through, it gives them that spirit, that pride, that passion of Wales of just you can get to this point," she added.

17-year-old Paige from Swansea described the players as her "idols" and was elated to see them get to a European Championship.

"It's about 15 years in the making so it's a massive thing for our country to do.

"That's what I want to do."

Evie, 16, also said the win was inspiring for younger girls: "It's nice to have a generation to look up to, so it's encouraging other generations.

"I'm proud. I'm definitely proud to be Welsh."

Annie, 16, said she thought the win was "amazing" for female representation.

"Obviously women's and girls' football doesn't get that much respect over the men's, so I think it's a great influence for young girls, women and everyone."

Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan echoed the congratulations of the country and said it was a "historical moment for Wales" and hoped "young girls would be inspired" by their performance.

"The Welsh women's team are history makers. I am so delighted. The effort they have put in over so many years and now rewarded with that place in the Euros," she said.

"I hope more young girls and women will take up football and will see that this can be not just something where you make your country proud but you can have a professional career.

"The world is changing and the women are really making their mark."

Wales' women hope to have a similar impact to the nation's men, who ended a 58-year wait for a major tournament appearance when they reached Euro 2016.

They will now await the draw on 16 December to see who they will face in Switzerland, having at last earned a place at Europe's top table.

You will be able to watch and follow it live on the BBC.