As Cymru prepares to host the UEFA Men’s Under-19 EURO finals this summer, Cymru captain Angharad James can still remember the last time Cymru staged a major UEFA youth tournament.
James was part of the Cymru side that competed at the UEFA Women’s Under-19 European Championship in 2013, gaining valuable experience against some of Europe’s top young players in front of home support.
More than a decade on, as Chris Gunter’s Cymru side prepare to welcome Spain, Germany and Denmark to North Wales, James is reflecting on the impact that tournament had on her own development and the opportunity now awaiting the next generation.
For James, the 2013 finals offered an early taste of elite international football and the standards required to compete at the highest level. It was also the opportunity to represent Cymru at home in a major UEFA tournament – an experience she still remembers fondly.
“It was a very long time ago, but it was a very special moment,” James said. “To get that exposure at such a young age, to have the privilege of playing for my country, but also to play against some of the best teams in Europe, really set me up for the career that was ahead.
“So yeah, it’s a moment that was really special to me and one that I look back on with a lot of pride.”
The experience proved to be an important step in James’ development as a young player, exposing her to the demands of tournament football and the challenges of competing against Europe’s strongest nations.
“I think to have that exposure at a young age, to play against some of the best players in your age group and some of the best nations too, it was a challenge. It was a hard tournament,” she explained.
“I remember each game being very different and it was a different experience for me, having to play three games in such a short space of time. It gave me the confidence to do that, and the group too. It also showed us how far we’d come and how far we still had to go in developing as a group and as a nation to compete at that level at the time.”
James has since gone on to become one of Cymru’s most influential players, captaining her country and helping guide Cymru to its first major senior women’s tournament. Looking back, she understands just how valuable opportunities like this summer’s Under-19 EURO finals can be for young players.
“I think it gives you the visibility of being able to be on the biggest stage and have all the fans come out,” she said. “I remember I had never played in front of so many fans before. It was normally just parents, family members and friends who came to the games.
“So to have hundreds of people come to the games back then was really special. I’m really hoping that, as a country, we get behind the tournament and support it, whether that’s by going to the games or from afar.”
Representing Cymru in front of family, friends and supporters is something James still treasures every time she pulls on the national shirt, and she believes the current Under-19 squad should embrace every moment of playing at home.
“Every time I step out onto the field and represent Wales, represent the badge and represent all my family and friends too, it’s honestly a really cool moment,” she said.
“From the first time I did it to now, nothing ever changes. The pride and the passion are still there. Representing my country and doing everything I can for the badge means so much.
“I really look forward to seeing the boys step out onto the field. Doing it on home turf, in front of home fans, family and friends, is a moment that you have to really cherish.”
With Cymru set to face Spain, Germany and Denmark in Group A, James has one simple message for the players preparing to represent their country on one of the biggest stages of their young careers.
“I think, most importantly, enjoy the occasion,” she said. “Being present in the moment is really important. That’s a really hard thing to do at such a young age.
“You think about the pressure of the games, how big they are and how much you want to win each one. But making sure that you remain grounded and present throughout the whole process is important.
“It’s something you’ll look back on with such pride, knowing that you were able to achieve what you did. I know that the nation will be behind them and, regardless of results and performances, it’s an experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.
“So just enjoy it and, yeah, we’re all behind you.”
