takeover
culture The Red Wall stands tall
With Welsh football fans overjoyed at the national team’s recent World Cup qualification – its first since 1958 – the sport seems more popular than ever in Wales, traditionally, the land of rugby. But don’t take our word for it: Matthaus E. J. Bridge ventured out amid the masses to gauge the present and future of the ‘Red Wall’.
For those of us not around 64 years ago, Wales finally taking part in a World Cup finals campaign is unprecedented. But as I sat in Cardiff’s Gatekeeper pub covered in beer, tears and sweat just after our nail-biting 1-0 win over Ukraine, older fans were quick to point out how lucky my generation was to witness such a historic event unfold. However, the old saying “you don’t know how lucky you are” raised a poignant question: do we?
To answer this, I interviewed several other young and passionate Welsh fans who will shape the future of the so-called ‘Red Wall’. Before the nerves kick in, the day begins the same for every young fan: meeting up with friends and digesting the atmosphere around Cardiff. “I haven’t been anywhere where there is an atmosphere like it – supporting the team and having a drink with my friends is what it’s all about,” said one fan.
Womanby Street remains the hub for many of them, wherein a strong family atmosphere brings with it a cultural togetherness that many young fans thrive on. “Sitting in the Canton stand has made me realise how passionate Welsh fans are about the game and Wales as a nation,” said another young supporter. Welsh identity is a huge part of our national games and everyone I interviewed expressed a reassuring feeling that they will continue to go to them regardless of where they are played.
Chanting and singing are a vital part of football, but when the Red Wall sings, it hits differently. Those I spoke to who couldn’t speak Welsh yet made clear their newfound urgency to learn
that going to watch Wales gave them a great opportunity to speak our language amongst fans outside of education and/or the workplace. A first-language Welsh fan told me, “Cymraeg is very important to me. Not having that many chances to speak Welsh outside of work, I’m grateful to make new friends and speak our language through singing and chanting.” Another fan from north Wales expressed their pride in talking to south Walians in Welsh with no difficulty or language barrier at all.
Going to see Wales play has turned from “a task to a pleasure,” in the words of one fan pondering his childhood memories of seeing games. The FAW’s success in creating a positive and welcoming relationship between fans and players deserves plaudits: for younger followers, the emergence of young internationals such as Brennan Johnson, David James and Joe Rodon is exciting and reassuring. Qualifying for the World Cup puts Wales on the centre stage amongst some of the best the world has to offer.
the language: singing Dafydd Iwan’s Yma O Hyd and Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau brings an importance to preserving it and encouraging new learners, including themselves. “Singing Welsh songs and our national anthem makes me want to learn [Welsh] more,” one told me, “especially when thousands of people around me are joining in. I leave the games with an enormous feeling of patriotism and pride.” As for those who do speak Welsh, they found
“It’s a chance to hammer home our national identities, such as our bilingualism, pride and values,” one fan affirmed, speaking to the significance of being in the same group as England. Another pointed out that many nations may be unaware of our very existence; the World Cup is a fantastic opportunity to show what Wales has to offer in and outside of football. Regardless of the results this winter, fans will support every player that crosses the white line with the dragon on his chest – in other words, “the Red Wall way.”
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