Equal pay: Football Association of Wales agree landmark deal

Wales’ slogan since before the men’s incredibly successful European Championship campaign of 2016 has been ‘Together Stronger.’ For the first time, that slogan is a reality.

The notion of ‘Together Stronger’ carries significant meaning to Wales’ supporters, Cymru’s Red Wall, with Welsh football suddenly alive with a thriving fan culture. Wales, traditionally known as a rugby country, is now awash with bucket hats.

However, until now, Together Stronger has been an advertising slogan, albeit an extremely effective one. Now it can genuinely be seen as an ethos.

Not only have the FAW followed through on their promise to keep doing all they can to promote the women’s game – which is already receiving record revenues in Wales – they are now underlining to the world that they value the women’s team the same as the men’s.

There is a significance in the Wales men’s team agreeing to cut their match fee, because it shows they are supportive of what is hopefully going to be a landmark change in Welsh sport.

Women’s football in Wales has enjoyed an explosion in terms of popularity which is reflected in increased participation and record crowds for Gemma Grainger’s team.

The message to the young people of Wales is clear. Wales values the next Sophie Ingle the same as the next Aaron Ramsey.