Pupils help create striking football mural

An aerial shot of the mural which was unveiled last month Photo credit: FAW

Pupils from three Cardiff schools helped to create a bold new mural celebrating women in sport and Wales' forthcoming UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 campaign.

A pitch-sized mural of Cardiff-born Jess Fishlock was unveiled last month at Splott Football Park - making history as the first mural of its size dedicated to a female footballer in Europe.

It pays tribute to Fishlock’s legacy as Wales’ most capped footballer and a trailblazer for women, girls, LGBTQ+ people, and communities.

Commissioned by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Wales Arts International, it is part of the Welsh Government’s official cultural programme for this year’s tournament.

Baden Powell Primary School, Moorland Primary School and Willows High played a role in the project, working with artists in a series of workshops that explored themes of identity, community and sport.

The sessions, supported by Cardiff's curriculum team, gave pupils the chance to design and even help paint the mural.

Artworks created by pupils will also be featured in a wider community exhibition.

The unveiling of the mural was attended by council leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, cabinet member for culture, parks & events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, and cabinet member for education, Cllr Sarah Merry, who joined young people from the area for the first official kick-about on the newly-transformed pitch.

Cllr Sarah Merry, cabinet member for education, said: "This has been a fantastic example of how education, sport and the arts can come together to inspire young people.

"It's been wonderful to see the pupils' enthusiasm for the project and the pride they've taken in helping to create something so meaningful. It's a celebration not just of women's football and the Welsh women's team qualifying for their first ever Euros, but of their own creativity and community spirit too.

“The mural will act as a reminder to all the young people that they can dream big and go far and of course one of the young women playing on that MUGA today could be a future member of the Welsh team."

The artwork was designed by Welsh artist Regan Gilflin and brought to life by Cardiff studio UNIFY.

UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 will kick off in Switzerland on 2 July.