Pembrokeshire is preparing for a month of footballing pride this July as Haverfordwest-born Angharad James-Turner captains Cymru into their first-ever major women’s football tournament at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.

The tournament, set in Switzerland, marks a historic moment for Cymru, who are one of the 16 teams vying for continental glory. Cymru were drawn into Group D—one of the most competitive in the tournament—alongside former champions the Netherlands, perennial contenders France, and long-time rivals England.

From Pembrokeshire to the World Stage

James-Turner, who began her football journey with Manorbier Girls, is now a stalwart of the Cymru midfield. With over 130 caps and counting, she is Cymru’s youngest-ever centurion and was officially named captain in late 2024.

“It’s a dream come true to lead Cymru into a tournament like this,” James-Turner said ahead of the team’s departure. “But for me, this is also for the little girl in Pembrokeshire who fell in love with football on muddy pitches.”

Now playing her club football in the NWSL and co-running a local coffee business when back in Wales, James-Turner embodies what it means to stay grounded while reaching global heights.

Symbolic Start on Snowdon

In a fitting display of their journey, the Cymru squad announcement took place atop Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) on June 19. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson described the moment as “symbolic of the climb this team has made and still faces.”

Wilkinson, a former Canadian international, has instilled a no-excuses, high-performance culture. From hiring psychologists to nutritionists, and adapting tactics based on opponent analysis, the Cymru camp is professional and ambitious.

A Group of Giants

Cymru face a tough route to the knockout rounds:

5 July: vs Netherlands (5:00pm BST)

9 July: vs France (8:00pm BST)

13 July: vs England (8:00pm BST)

All matches will be broadcast live on the BBC, and thousands of fans from across Cymru are expected to make the trip to Lucerne and St Gallen. But for those staying local, watch parties are being planned across Pembrokeshire.

Veterans and Returnees Bolster the Squad

James-Turner is flanked by seasoned internationals such as Jess Fishlock—Cymru’s most-capped player—and Chelsea’s Sophie Ingle, who returns from an ACL injury just in time to offer strength in the centre of the pitch.

With Hayley Ladd, Rachel Rowe and Lily Woodham rounding out a flexible midfield and back line, Wilkinson has options—and experience—across the board.

What This Means for Pembrokeshire

This summer, the red of Cymru won’t just represent a nation—it will represent local dreams. James-Turner’s journey from west Cymru to international captaincy is already inspiring the next generation. Pembrokeshire schools, sports clubs and even cafes are expected to rally behind their hometown hero.

Whether Cymru reach the quarter-finals or simply hold their own against Europe’s elite, this tournament will mark a milestone. As James-Turner leads her team onto the field, the whole of Pembrokeshire will be behind her.