At the heart of the recently launched Gêm For Her. Gêm For You. campaign are real women and girls from across Wales – players, coaches, referees, fans, and leaders who are shaping the future of the game in their own unique ways.
The campaign is about more than football. It’s about representation, confidence and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s playing, coaching, refereeing, supporting as a fan, or working behind the scenes, Gêm For Her. Gêm For You. celebrates the stories of those already making their mark – and inspires others to find their place in the game.
Meet some of the inspiring women and girls leading the way to encourage others to get involved this summer.
Ceri, Referee
Ceri’s football journey started when she was eight years old going to watch Swansea with her dad. She instantly fell in love with the game. At 14 she started refereeing across junior leagues in Swansea, and since then she has gone on to referee in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, The English Women’s Super League and most recently The Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final.
In addition to her achievements on the pitch, Ceri has recently taken up the role at of FAW Match Officials Recruitment & Retention Executive.
Ceri is passionate about inspiring other women and girls to get involved: “I have always loved football. Refereeing gave me the opportunity to be involved in the game without having to play. It has changed my life, improved my confidence and social skills, and made me the person I am today.”
Ceri is passionate about being the example she didn’t have growing up and is determined to create pathways for others to follow in her footsteps, proving that refereeing isn’t just a role, it is a way to grow, lead, and belong.
Eleeza, FAW Youth Council Chair & Rosheen, Coach
For sisters Eleeza and Rosheen, football has always been more than just a game – it’s been a bond, a passion, and now, a platform to inspire others.
Eleeza first fell in love with football playing in the park with her family. Her dad – a devoted Liverpool supporter – introduced her to the sport, and she was hooked from the start. That early passion would grow into purpose. Today, Eleeza serves as Chair of the FAW Youth Council, representing young voices in Welsh football and pushing for greater inclusion and opportunity.
“My favourite thing is the people I have met on this journey and being able to be that person I didn’t have growing up—someone who inspires girls to get involved in the game,” Eleeza said.
Alongside her sister, Rosheen, the pair made history as Wales’ first Muslim female football referees. Determined to be the role models they never had, they’ve brought girls’ football to Grangetown and are giving back to their community in ways that go far beyond the pitch.
Rosheen began playing at age eight and still remembers watching the World Cup at just five years old. Today, she coaches in her community, determined to share the joy football has given her: “I love being a coach because I can pass on my love and passion for football through teaching. It allows me to give back to my community.
“My biggest piece of advice to any woman or girl wanting to get involved in football is just to go for it—you’ll never know unless you try, and it will be the best thing you will ever experience.”
Together, Eleeza and Rosheen are rewriting the story and showing girls across Wales that they don’t have to change to fit the game. The game is changing to welcome them.
Leeann, Volunteer at Coity Chiefs GFC
Leeann started volunteering at her local football club Coity Chiefs when her daughter joined the club. Two years later, Leeann and her husband run the club. Having never been given the opportunity to play football in school, Leeann treasures the opportunity to help create something different for this generation of girls.
“I’ve taken on multiple roles but at the heart of it is a love for seeing the girls have the opportunity, visibility and respect in football they deserve. Watching the girls grow in confidence, develop skills and create friendships each week is so rewarding.”
Leeann is passionate about encouraging other women to get involved—whether on the pitch, on the sidelines, or behind the scenes.
“Just go for it. You don’t need to be a football expert – there are so many different ways to help out, and you’ll be surprised how much you gain from it. Volunteering has shown me just how much of a difference we can make, and I’d encourage any woman thinking about getting involved to take that first step. You’ll never regret becoming part of
something so special.”
Joanne, Coach at Camrose FC
Joanne first got involved in football when her daughter’s team needed a coach. Stepping up to support the girls inspired her and last season she decided to start playing herself. She’s now found joy in walking football and hasn’t looked back.
Joanne coaches a team at Camrose FC and also runs the club’s BE.FC programme. She found that starting her coaching journey has given her self-belief in all areas of her life, not just football.
“It has increased my confidence, and I love being able to inspire and support women in sport. Get involved, the first step is the most daunting but everybody I have met in football has been so welcoming, helpful and friendly.”
Morganna, BE. Football Mentee
Morganna’s first memory of football is going to watch her brother play for his grassroots team and going through his Arsenal membership boxes without his permission! Fast forward to 2022 and despite being a fan her whole life she finally had the courage to join her first team aged 16 after watching the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.
Now at university, Morganna is pursuing a career in the media industry and is a mentee on this year’s BE. Football Mentoring programme.
“I used to think the only way to have a job in football was to play or coach but there are so many other ways to get involved in the game. I love being involved in football, I have met so many amazing friends, and it has given me confidence in myself. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s too late to get involved so just put yourself out there, women deserve to be seen in this game!”
Emily, Cymru fan
Emily went to her first Cymru game at seven years old, when the team played Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2022 in the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off semi-final. Jess Fishlock scored to send Cymru through to the final. That moment is memorable for Emily and she’s been following Cymru ever since.
Her football journey started at four years old when she joined Radyr Rangers. First playing for the boy’s team and not enjoying it, Emily went to a Huddle session instead and instantly fell in love. The supportive and fun environment of Huddle gave Emily the confidence to return to club football. When her local team launched a girl’s section, she rejoined—and now proudly plays for Gwaelod Rangers.
Talking about her love for watching and playing the game, Emily said: “I love the team because they are so friendly and inspire me to be the best I can be. Huddle made me fall in love with football, I was nervous at first but I’ve made so many friends and never looked back!”
Chloe, Coach at Barry Town United
Chloe started her footballing journey playing in a boy’s team aged five as a goalkeeper. She recalls hearing the other team say they would easily win because her team had a girl in goal. However, they didn’t and Chloe went on to score for the team too!
Chloe now holds a UEFA B license and is the head coach at Barry Town United’s pan-disability team, Cardiff City Women Under-19 assistant goalkeeper coach, and a full-time special education needs multi-sport coach for Cardiff City Foundation.
Chloe has a visual impairment and is passionate about disability sports and giving back to her community.
“I didn’t want to be involved in disability sports growing up as I didn’t want to be different from my friends. I started volunteering with my local disability football club and now 11 years later I am running the club where I have four coaches under me and 60 players registered.
“Coaching has given me the confidence to be who I am and I’d encourage others to give it a try! You can get a lot from volunteering every week with a club. You are gaining valuable skills in communication, supporting individuals to gain fundamental football skills along with helping them in a personal capacity. We aren’t just coaches. For some players, we are friends, family, counsellors but also coaches who they respect.”
Enfys, Grassroots player
Enfys first started playing football at seven years old, first inspired to join by her friends who had started playing. Now 11, she has completed a coaching award and helps out with the Under-7s team at Camrose FC.
She recalls how she was nervous at first but wants other girls to get involved in the game. “Joining Camrose FC has given me a social life and a chance to make new friends. I was nervous at first but it has given me the chance to just be myself and I really want other girls to feel the same way.”