It is often highlighted that Wales is a nation of just 3 million people when sporting achievements are put into perspective, but the nature of the modern world means that those eligible to represent the Cymru national teams extends far beyond our own border.

In fact, there are players from all corners of the world who currently qualify to wear the dragon on their shirt, and multi-nationality has replaced duel-nationality for many of them. “Talent identification and retention is a key pillar of our high-performance strategy,” said FAW Chief Football Officer David Adams in October 2022. “In order to meet our objectives and consistently qualify our senior national teams to major tournaments, we must focus our efforts to strategically identify Welsh eligible talented players.”

So why does a player choose Cymru? For some, there is a deep-rooted family history and pride, for others, a professional decision based on a number of factors from within the game. Each individual has their own story to tell and their own personal reasons for electing to represent Cymru on the international stage. To bring some of these stories to light, we sat down with members of the men’s and women’s senior teams to reflect on their respective journeys and to explain just what Cymru means to them, and why.

Former Cymru midfielder Robbie Savage cut an emotional figure at the Racecourse in October last year. Sitting with his family, his son Charlie would make his Cymru debut with a place in the starting line-up for the 4-0 friendly victory over Gibraltar in Wrexham. Eligible for Scotland, England and Cymru, the talented 21-year old impressed with an assured performance, and revealed just what it meant for him to take to the field on what was such a significant night in his fledging career.

“Obviously I always looked up to him and wanted to be a footballer like him as well,” explained Savage to FAW.cymru when asked about the influence of his famous father. “He’s just like a normal dad to me, really supportive and not too heavy on being involved. I think him being a footballer definitely inspired me to be a footballer too. I always wanted to play for Wales, I feel Welsh because obviously my dad played for Wales and I grew up watching him.

“Growing up through the system, Matt (Jones – U21 head coach) has been there for me throughout the whole time, through the highs and the lows, and he’s really made me feel proud to play for Wales. I’ve always aspired to jump up the age groups and I’m pretty proud of that. I think my dad had a little tear in Wrexham and my nan as well as she literally lives a mile away from the Racecourse. That was an amazing night and I’m only grateful to the manager for giving me that chance.”

Savage is one of a number of talented youngsters who have emerged through the Welsh football pathway system in recent years, and the performances of midfielder Jordan James during EURO qualifying proved to be the biggest positive of the campaign. Still only 19, James has already made over 100 professional appearances for Birmingham City and has 10 caps for the Cymru senior side having established himself as an important part of the squad.

James’s father Tony also enjoyed a professional playing career, representing Hereford United and Newport County, and it is through his father that James qualifies for Cymru. “It’s always been an honour to represent the country,” said James. “I was at home with my dad when I first got the text and it was an unbelievable moment at such a young age. It was a dream come true, really. My Dad is where the Welsh connection comes in so he was buzzing as well. It was all he ever wanted to do, obviously he played football and had a good career, but he wasn’t able to get a cap for Wales. So to see his son do that, he’s very, very proud.”

Also eligible for England, James was open to the idea when the Three Lions U20 squad came calling in March 2022, despite having come through the Cymru youth system. “The opportunity came up and we had a sit down with the family,” he explained. “My dad wasn’t too happy with it! But I think it was an opportunity that I sort of had to take. I took it, but it just didn’t feel the same. Playing for Wales is just, it’s phenomenal. When I’m standing up on that pitch and the national anthem is playing, it gets you a bit emotional. I didn’t really feel that when I played for England. That’s obviously no disrespect to England, but something inside me just feels different when I play for Wales.”

Grandparents can be equally influential when it comes to choosing national allegiance, as rising star of the women’s team Mary McAteer can attest to. The Welsh passion of her Nan in particular holds a special place in the heart of the 20-year old Sunderland striker, and provided the foundation for her international career. “My mum’s family are Welsh and it’s that family connection that really brought me to Wales,” she explained.

“I’ve been through the age groups since I was like 12 or 13 and I’ve fallen in love with Wales throughout that time. I met some of my closest friends when I was that age and it was really lovely to have a core group which went all the way through to the U19’s and now pushing into the seniors. It’s nice to see how everyone’s progressed. I wouldn’t change it. I think what’s so special about Wales is the environment. The way the girls make you feel welcome straight away and they make you feel proud to be Welsh.”

But while the majority of players are identified and approached, two members of the Cymru goalkeepers union took international matters into their own safe hands by directly putting themselves forward, but with very different results. “My first England call-up was U16,” said Tom King. “I remember at the time there was a letter going around asking if you were eligible to play for Wales. My mum sent the letter off and there was no reply, which I was gutted about at the time!”

Meanwhile, Olivia Clark had her own sliding doors moment while scrolling through her social media feed, only to notice an advert inviting players eligible for Cymru WU17’s to come forward. “My dad drove me down to Wales which was four hours away, and they put me straight in the senior camp at 16,” Clark explained. “I’ve always had that connection to Wales. I think people can get a bit daunted by the fact that they might get judged for it or whatever, but there’s none of that. People come in and fit right in.

“My mum’s side of the family are all from Swansea, I ended up growing up in Lincoln but I think Wales has always been a massive part of my life. When the opportunity came to represent Wales, obviously I loved to do it, and it’s worked out nicely. My dad is fully English, he was born in London and lives in Lincoln, but he’s the most Welsh person you can get now! He’s been everywhere with me so I couldn’t ask any more from him. He’s my biggest fan and I do really appreciate him.”

However, there would also be a happy ending for King later in his career, despite his initial approach failing to open the door into the Cymru camp. “I also became eligible to play for Gibraltar,” he added. “I had conversations out there, and then I remember there was a guy in big Welsh jacket at a game on the side of the pitch and he made it known to me that they were interested in having me on board. I signed for Newport and Tony (Roberts – Cymru goalkeeping coach) came to watch a game and the rest is history. I’ve been part of this squad now for four or five years, and some of the memories we’ve created, not only for the players but for the fans as well, has been incredible.”

These are just a small selection of the hundreds of individual stories behind the talent identification and selection process that feeds the Cymru national teams. But what makes Cymru so special, so different, when other international options are available? “I think it’s just a feeling with Wales, and until you’re here you don’t really understand why it’s so special,” said former Cymru captain Sophie Ingle. “We’re obviously a small country so I think that works to our advantage. We’re a together group and we’re passionate. Other nations, whether they’re big or small, they’re maybe not as passionate as us.”