Look who’s come to Mynydd Isa!

There was a very special guest at Mynydd Isa Football Club’s girls and women’s training session on Tuesday night.

Wales Women’s manager Rhian Wilkinson paid a visit to the Flintshire village club to pass on some expert advice to the females and watch them go through their paces.

Canadian Wilkinson, who has a Welsh mother, took over as Wales Women’s head coach in February 2024.

She has enjoyed a highly successful start to her tenure, winning six, drawing three and losing just one of her first 10 games in charge.

On December 3, 2024, the team made history after beating the Republic of Ireland 2-1 to qualify for the 2025 Uefa European Women’s Championship finals. It is the first time Cymru have reached the finals of a major women’s tournament.

As a player, Wilkinson made over 180 appearances for the Canadian national team and won Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016. She played as a forward and a midfielder at the club level, but was primarily an attacking right full-back for the national team.

A Mynydd Isa FC spokesperson said: “We were incredibly lucky to have Rhian Wilkinson, the Wales Women’s Manager join our girls’ training session last night!

“It was an unforgettable experience for our young players, who got the chance to learn from one of the very best in Welsh football. From inspiring words to top coaching tips, the session was full of energy, passion, and encouragement for the next generation of female footballers.”

“A massive thank you to Rhian Wilkinson and the FAW for taking the time to support grassroots football and inspire our girls to dream big.”