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So I'm born & bred Cardiff, I live in England and my wife is Spanish.
My 16 yr old son is sn international fencer and could have represent England, Wales or Scotland ( through his maternal grandmother).
Representing England was not an impossibility but was a more difficult route, however in my mind was never an option, he has represented Wales and has now qualified to represent GB (the only Welsh fencer out of 12) in European competitions. Since being with the Welsh squad he has embraced his 'Welshness' and wouldn't have had it any other way.
I'm trying to say he was ambivalent about representing Wales until he was immersed within Welsh fencing but is now really glad of his choice, even though he would have made the England team. Hope that makes sense.
I have a nuanced view on this. Personally, Welsh-born, spent later childhood growing up in England and have Pakistani descent. If I was a pro footballer or sportsman, I would not be sure of which team to choose as I love all countries equally
That's a really good way of putting it. Despite the potential lure of bigger money and fame, a lot of the dual youngsters are now choosing Wales.
You've got to hand it to the whole of the FAW staff, and by that I mean the original influence of Gary Speed. He changed everything, and with that came a change in the old dinosaur suits that used to infest and strangle our potential.
Then I just looked up the head of the FAW Jonathon Ford, and this guy's appointment seems to have had a massive effect on our fortunes:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/f...cutive-2064559
Everything seems to have improved since this guy arrived into the role. The appointment of Speed, and everything since stems from this appointment IMO.
I remember banging my head as a kid, simply looking at the previous incumbents, David Collins and Alun Evans who seemed to exist simply as FA yes men.
This might be harsh, and I'm more than happy to be educated on the facts, but the new guy has definitely grabbed the whole thing by the horns and run with it. And hugely to our benefit.
:clap:
No need to be educated, you are bang on. Alun Evans sacked Terry Yorath who came within Bodin's boot of getting over the line. Read the old player's autobiography's and the common thread is playing for Wales was done on the cheap and shabby like but they did it anyway. Now our house is in order thanks to a lot of hard work we are seeing the benefit's. Why wouldn't you want to play for Wales. Why wouldn't you want to take you're coaching badges under Osian Roberts in Newport. The list of recent pro's who have would make the English FA blush if they weren't so grey.
Wasn't going to get involved, but there is so much bitterness and spite in this thread (from one person), that ladies & gentlemen I give you
:----
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Brooks_(footballer)
Now spend your bitterness for the next ten years on this WELSH lad.
John & Dave Hollins throw a spanner in the works, brothers yet one an England international the other a Welsh international. Dave born in Bangor when his Dad played for them, John born later when the family had moved to England. Now they played by the rules😂😂😂😂😂