Welsh international Carrie Jones joined national team head coach Rhian Wilkinson at the Royal Welsh Showground this week.
The midfielder who was raised in Mochdre, near Newtown met with fans while hosting football sessions alongside Wales boss Wilkinson on Tuesday, July 23.
Wilkinson later joined FUW Insurance Officer Danielle Walker, who also plays for Berriew FC, in taking part in a debate chaired by Caryl Roberts, FUW group business development manager, and discussed how sports and agriculture’s attitude towards women has changed in recent years.
Wilkinson's childhood was spent growing up in South Wales. Her mum lobbied for a more inclusive sports policy at her former primary school in Bontfaen 25 years ago, as football was not available for girls at the time.
Danielle Mills was honoured to sit with the Wales women head coach and shared her experiences of playing football and her work in the agricultural industry within a rural area.
Rhian Wilkinson said: “I’m delighted to attend this FUW event at the Royal Welsh Showground this week. I’ve been to the show several times in the past and I’m very proud of my family’s Welsh farming history.
"I’m keen to discuss the FAW’s strategy of recognising the importance of football at grassroots level and the investment we’re looking at in facilities and resources to support clubs to grow and develop.
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“We know that this can make a huge difference to communities, many of whom the football club is the only remaining community asset.
"Football can bring the community together, it gives a sense of belonging, similar to the farming community. Both can help improve people’s health and mental well being whilst also contributing to a vibrant and sustainable rural Wales.
“Football and farming are both essential threads in the fabric of Welsh society. Each contributes a huge amount to local communities, the economy, the Welsh language, culture and heritage. Both also form a part of the national picture and put Wales firmly on the world stage.”
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