Jess Fishlock: Mural of Wales star unveiled in 'European first'

A mural of Wales star Jess Fishlock has been unveiled in what organisers say is a European first.

The artwork in Splott, Cardiff, is believed to be the first five-a-side football pitch-sized mural of a female footballer in Europe, according to organisers.

With 47 goals to her name, Fishlock is Wales's all-time record goalscorer.

The 38-year-old will be part of the team making history for the nation at the UEFA European Women's Championship in Switzerland.

The upcoming competition marks the first time the women's team has qualified for a major tournament.

Read more: Where and how to watch the Women's Euros

The team will face off against reigning champions England, as well as 2017 winners The Netherlands and 2022 semi-finalists France.

The squad of 23 chosen to represent their country was revealed at the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) last week.

On Thursday, Fishlock's mural, which was designed by Regan Gilflin and created by Shawqi Hasson and Yusuf Ismail from the Unify project, was unveiled in front of community representatives and children from local schools.

The footballer's sister, Francesca Fishlock, told Sky News that she was "super proud" of her older sibling and that it was "lovely" to have a mural dedicated to her on her first home ground.

"She's tried her hardest to get to a major tournament with Wales, the whole group has, so to be able to go over there and just experience it with them is amazing," she said.

"They've got nothing to lose and nothing to prove, so they're just going to go out there and give their all really and do the best that they can. Hopefully get out of the group, but if they don't, they're there, and that's what matters."

Members of the local football team, Splott Albion FC, attended the launch event of the mural, which has been supported by funding from the Welsh Government and Wales Arts International.

Lola, 15, said the women's team was "inspiring many younger girls to start playing" in Wales.

Gracie, 14, added that the mural was "a good representation of women's football" and was confident of the team's chances, adding: "We're going to win".

Lilly, 14, said the team were "someone to look up to" and are giving potential future Wales stars "an opportunity to see how far they can come".

Aliyah, 14, whose cousin is also part of the Wales squad, said it was "really cool" to have a relative representing her country, and the advice she had given her was to "just smash it".

One person who knows more than most what it's like to represent Wales is Professor Laura McAllister, who made 24 appearances for her country between 1994 and 1998.

Professor McAllister told Sky News that it was a "fabulous opportunity" to see Wales represented on the world stage.

"I was at the Men's Euros last year, and of course, Wales weren't there, and that was quite painful. So this time I'm really excited about being there when my own nation is represented on the global stage," she said.

The women's game in Wales has "come a long way" since she was representing her country, Professor McAllister's added.

"We didn't have everything we needed to perform at the highest level, and there's still a journey to go"

"Let's not get carried away, we don't have full equality between men's and women's football or the same opportunities for girls as we have for boys.

"So we're very mindful that there's more work ahead, but for now, let's celebrate the important steps we've made on the journey."

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