
Middleton-Patel's Euro 2025 history 'so important'
"For people who grew up with no representation in sport at that level, that was a crazy feeling."I'm not even Welsh, but to see a British player make that kind of history with the name Patel on the back of her shirt is insane and something we've been waiting so long for in women's football."Roopa Vyas - COO of Her Game Too and founder of Her Game Too Cymru - felt it could prove a watershed moment."It's overwhelming in the best way," she told BBC Sport Wales."For those of us from South Asian backgrounds who've grown up loving football but rarely seeing ourselves in the game, this moment feels huge. It's not just symbolic - it's deeply personal."
Middleton-Patel's exploits came after left-back Neil Taylor - whose mother is Indian - became the first player of Asian heritage to play for Wales' men's side at a major tournament during their historic run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in France.In 2021, Taylor gave his backing to a new Professional Footballers' Association's (PFA) Asian Inclusion Mentoring Scheme (AIMS).The scheme's strategy is to "develop a sustainable flow of players of South Asian heritage into the professional game" - namely into the Premier League, English Football League and Women's Super League.Simone Pound - the PFA's director of equality, diversity and inclusion - states the scheme has demonstrated "impressive year-on-year growth" - with the programme's figures growing from just six players in 2019 to more than 140 in 2024.Speaking on the Football Association of Wales' Red Wall + series, 43-cap former defender Taylor said of the initiative: "Originally when we had the conversation, it was about getting participation levels up in the UK."Then we actually decided to get some data. What we found out was there's plenty of participation at grassroots level."Where the numbers fall away is from there (grassroots) to academies. So then we got a real idea of what we needed to do."The old phrase, 'you can't be it if you can't see it', I never really believed in it much when I was young. But since I've got older and have seen what this has done especially, it does play a big part, and I think there is going to be a shift. "For our country, the numbers are growing, and they will continue to grow now."
A catalyst for change?
Former Brentford player Riz Rehman runs AIMS as part of his role as player inclusion executive at the PFA.And Rehman believes Middleton-Patel's debut at the Euros - her fifth cap overall for her country - has the potential to positively influence the future generation who may have previously felt their route into the game was blocked."Visibility is incredibly impactful, especially on a major international stage like the Euros," he told BBC Sport Wales."Representation at the top level plays a huge role in shifting perceptions and positively impacting how people feel about a sport which they may not have previously thought was 'for them'. "In that sense, what Safia has done this summer is so important, and it's right that it's celebrated."While Middleton-Patel's showing on the big stage represents a landmark moment in numerous ways, Vyas says it must become "a turning point" for future players."As powerful as that visibility is, it can't do all the work on its own," she explained."Safia shouldn't have to carry the weight of change just by existing in that space. If we want to see more players from South Asian backgrounds breaking through, we need to meet this moment with real, practical action - not just celebration."That means challenging outdated assumptions in talent ID, properly supporting girls at grassroots level, and making sure football environments actually feel safe and inclusive - for them and for their families. "This can't just be a milestone - it needs to be a turning point."
A role model for many reasons
"Saf is such an incredible role model and speaks out about so much brilliant stuff when it comes to neurodiversity," added journalist Walker-Khan. "Saf is a legend already."Long before Manchester United's Middleton-Patel, 20, had even been included in the Wales squad for the summer tournament in Switzerland, she was viewed by many as a strong role model.She has regularly spoken about living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the various coping mechanisms she deploys.Her openness on the subject is deemed particularly crucial given that a recent PFA survey showed 60% of professional footballers who have reported they have certain neurodivergent traits have not disclosed them to their team or club.The goalkeeper was among those to collaborate with the PFA as part of their neurodiversity player research project - which looks at prevalence rates of neurodiversity in footballers and the awareness levels among players.Vyas - who hailed Middleton-Patel as a "incredible role model" - added: "She's showing girls and people of all ages that you don't have to tick every box or edit yourself to belong in this game. "You can succeed while being true to who you are. And that's what makes her such a powerful figure. "Not just a footballer, but someone who's quietly changing what leadership and representation look like in sport."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Reuters
an hour ago
- Reuters
Firmino leaves Al-Ahli to join Qatar's Al-Sadd on two-year deal
July 24 (Reuters) - Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has joined Qatar's Al-Sadd after Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli confirmed the Brazilian's departure from the club on Wednesday. Firmino has signed a two-year deal with the Qatar Stars League champions, having led Al-Ahli to the Asian Champions League Elite title in Jeddah in May. "I'm happy because we made history at the club during these two years together," the Brazilian said in a farewell video released by the Saudi club. "The best moment was to become the champions of Asia. I'm very grateful for this." Firmino spent two seasons with Al-Ahli after joining from Liverpool and played a key role in the club's first continental title win, scoring six times in 12 games in the Asian Champions League Elite. He provided assists for both of his club's goals in their win over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in the final in May to become the first player - alongside clubmates Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy - to win continental titles in Asia and Europe. Firmino's performances saw him named the competition's most valuable player. The 33-year-old joins an Al-Sadd side that won last season's domestic title to qualify for the next edition of the Asian Champions League Elite.


Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Russell Wilson lifts the lid on his new life in NYC with wife Ciara after signing $10.5m Giants deal
Russell Wilson insists he and wife Ciara already feel well at home in New York City after his move to the Giants earlier this year. The 36-year-old quarterback is gearing up for his debut Giants season after penning a one-year, $10.5million contract with the team on the back of his Pittsburgh Steelers departure in March. Following a year in Pittsburgh together, as well as two in Denver and roughly six in Seattle, Wilson has packed up and moved cities once again with R&B singer Ciara - whom he married midway through his legendary Seahawks spell in 2016. He has three children with Ciara - daughters Sienna, eight, and Amora, one, and son Win, five - while also acting as a stepfather to her other son Future Jr, 11. And his wife's love for music means the switch to the Big Apple has suited them both perfectly. 'I've been in New York a bunch in the past, I have a lot of family that have been here and lived here and stuff like that, but we love it here. It's just a great city. New York is amazing, Jersey as well,' Wilson said after his first practice with the Giants on Wednesday. 'I think what I love is the fans, the sports culture. Obviously for Ciara, the music culture is great too, and I think that's great. But I think just for me, I've always been a fast-paced guy. 'I don't know if everybody knows me really well. I'm constantly just highly focused. I was always taking 18 credits in college, playing football, baseball. I just like being occupied.' He then continued: 'And at the same time, the number one part of it all is the game that I love. That's the best part about it. I get to do what I love to do and these guys love doing it together and we're spending a lot of time together. 'So, these moments, like this training camp, is the part where you love those bonding [moments] at the hotel, the bonding early in the mornings, the late at night, the extra film, that time that you spend together talking ball. I mean that's the part that you forever remember.' When asked if Ciara pushed him to head to NYC, Wilson admitted: 'No, she loves New York. I love New York too, but it was all about ball.' Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed on Wednesday that Wilson will be his starting quarterback heading into the 2025 campaign. New York also signed Jameis Winston in free agency and selected Jaxson Dart in the first round of this year's draft, while Tommy DeVito is still on the roster. But Daboll said about his quarterback plan: 'These guys will be out here competing, but Russ is our starter.' Wilson, who won the Super Bowl with the Seahawks back in 2014, started 11 games last season for the Steelers; throwing 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 63.7 percent completion rate.


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Prince George beams in never-before-seen photo released to mark his 12th birthday
The Prince and Princess of Wales have released a stunning photo of Prince George to mark his 12th birthday. The future King, who was born on July 22, 2013 at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, looks angelic as ever as he beams in the photo, released via Kensington Palace. The snap, understood to have been taken earlier this year by one of the family's favourite videographers and photographers, Josh Shinner in Norfolk. It echoes Prince Louis 's seventh birthday portrait, released in April. In the snap, the future king is dressed in a white checked shirt layered with a khaki gilet as he leans over a wooden gate and smiles into the camera. He also appears to be wearing a friendship bracelet made of blue-coloured threads - in a trend that he and his sister Charlotte have previously taken part in. George, who is the eldest of the Wales children with younger siblings Charlotte, 10 and Louis, seven, was first introduced to the world when his mother Kate and father William stepped out of the Lindo Wing with him in their arms. Dressed in a summery powder blue frock, Kate glowed as she and William revealed their first child, George Alexander Louis, to the world. George, who currently attends Lambrook School in Berkshire, will move to secondary education when he reaches the age of 13 - although it has not yet been confirmed which institution his parents have chosen to send him to. Among the schools reportedly being considered were his father's alma mater; Eton College, and his mother's; Marlborough College. While nothing is confirmed yet, the Mail on Sunday reported last month that £63,000-a-year Eton was the frontrunner for Kate and William. A source told the paper: 'All roads lead to Eton.' Sport-loving George has delighted royal fans around the world with public appearances alongside his parents at sporting events; including Aston Villa matches with his father and, most recently, the men's Wimbledon final. The 12-year-old sat alongside his parents and sister Charlotte to watch defending champion Carlos Alcaraz take on World No. 1 Jannik Sinner - before the Italian smashed the Spaniard to lift the trophy. An animated George watched in apparent frustration as his favourite player dropped sets to Sinner, and appeared downcast at the final result. It has been widely reported in the past that George and Charlotte are huge Alcaraz fans, and the pair have rejoiced at the 22-year-old's Wimbledon wins in the last two years. Indeed the Princess of Wales revealed in 2024 that Princess Charlotte had been supported Alcaraz as he beat Novak Djokovic to lift the Wimbledon trophy. Prince George was first introduced to the world in 2013 when his parents the Prince and Princess of Wales held him in their arms on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London George looked solemn as his mother Kate, patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club, descended on Centre Court to award Alcaraz the runner-up dish while Sinner was awarded the winner's trophy. Earlier in the day, the future King revealed tennis is one of the sports he plays as an extracurricular activity; humbly suggesting he's 'alright' at the sport. Ahead of the men's final, George arrived with his family to the All England Club where he chatted to doubles champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool. Chatting to the royals, Cash asked George and Charlotte if they play 'tennis'. The pair both nodded, before Cash replied, 'Are you good?'. The future king then modestly quipped: 'I was alright'. While the Prince and Princess of Wales have gone to great lengths to protect George's privacy in childhood, they have previously revealed fleeting details of his interests and hobbies. Among them is his love of Aston Villa FC as he takes after his father Prince William in supporting the West Midlands-based side. George has long been attending matches with his father, looking the image of William as he goes through the rollercoaster of emotions of supporting a football team. The Prince and Princess of Wales also revealed insights into their eldest son's music taste in recent years, sharing that he's something of a rock fan. The Princess of Wales snapped her eldest son in Norfolk just a few weeks before his eighth birthday Little lion! Prince George captured by Kate in an England football shirt to mark his sixth birthday in 2019 In 2023, during a Big Lunch event to celebrate the King's Coronation, William told a royal fan that George was a fan of classic rock bands. Caroline Mulvihill, from the Rock Choir in Windsor and Maidenhead, recounted a conversation she had with the Prince of Wales during the event. 'We were talking about the kind of music we do in Rock Choir and Will was telling us in their household they have a very diverse music taste and George is very much into AC/DC and Led Zeppelin,' she said. Queen singer Adam Lambert has also suggested the young prince is a fan of the classic rock band of which he is now the frontman, replacing founding member Freddie Mercury. Lambert previously recalled a conversation he'd had with the Princess of Wales at her Together at Christmas carol concert, in which she'd spoken to him about Queen's performance at the 2022 Platinum Jubilee concert. He said: 'It was such an honour. I got to meet Princess Kate, which was fabulous. She was absolutely lovely and down to earth and charming. 'She was talking about her son [George] recalling the performance with the Queen at the Palace for the Platinum Jubilee two years before. Adam continued: 'She was like, he said: "Oh is Adam going to play his guitar?" 'She said, "I think he was confused who was playing guitar and who was who but he remembered who you were." I was like, "Oh, that is cute".' The bizarre royal protocol Prince George will now have to follow as the future king celebrates his 12th birthday Today is Prince George's 12th birthday and an important milestone for the future king in more ways than one. While Prince William and Kate will be considering which school George should join next year, the young prince now faces a significant change in his royal protocol. The strict rule is not enforced until a member of the family turns 12 years old and is designed to protect the line of succession to the British crown. It's a protocol that George's father had to follow and also his grandfather during their times as heirs to the throne. From his birthday today, George will no longer be permitted to fly on the same plane as William. Speaking to MailOnline, royals expert Richard Fitzwilliams explained why this rule is followed. Richard said: 'To ensure the continuity of the institution, King Charles and Prince William never travel together. When Prince George, who is second in line to the throne, turns 12 on July 22, the rule will apply to him but not to his siblings. 'He could travel with them, with Prince William in another aircraft or travel alone. George with his mother and two siblings, Louis and Charlotte, during the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE day. It remains unclear whether it will be William who flys on his own, separate from Kate and the other children, or if George will instead 'It reportedly needed the written permission of the monarch for Charles, when he was Prince of Wales to travel together with Diana and his sons, but before William turned 12 it did happen. 'William and Catherine have travelled together with their children, but when George turns 12 he will have to travel separately.' It remains unclear whether it will be William who flys on his own, separate from Kate and the other children, or if his son will instead. The bizarre rule was established following a string of tragic deaths in the family involving aircrafts. 'The unexpected can happen, as with Prince William of Gloucester's tragic death in 1972, though this was in a competition. 'Prince George, Duke of Kent also died in a plane crash in 1942, which has become controversial. 'Prince Philip's sister, Cecile, died in a plane crash in 1937, giving birth to a stillborn child,' Richard said. These tragedies have only served to reinforce the Royal Family's belief in ensuring the heirs travel separately. The Prince and Princess of Wales alongside a baby George disembark a plane in Australia in 2014. From George's 12th birthday he will need special permission to fly on the same plane as William George joins his father at an event in Buckingham Palace meeting World War Two veterans. And when William ascends to the throne, Charlotte will most likely have to follow the protocol too. Richard noted that a similar policy exists across the pond where the President never travels by plane with the Vice-President. Whilst this is a new royal protocol for the young prince to follow, it just one of many rules George and his siblings will have been following as members of Britain's most famous family. These include always travelling with a change of black clothes should a member of the family die unexpectedly. This rule was introduced after King George VI died while Elizabeth was in Kenya and she did not have any black clothes. The children also face limits on what they can and can't wear with the girls expected to wear dresses and the boys must wear shorts. On top of this, they can never eat shellfish while on a royal tour to avoid food poisoning. As Prince George gets older, he will be expected to attend more and more official royal engagements. George was snapped beaming as he shook hands with one esteemed veteran In May, George joined other members of the Royal Family for a tea party at Buckingham Palace to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The future monarch looked natural as he, alongside his parents, chatted away to World War Two veterans. Prince William proudly told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester, that George is 'interested' in learning about those who served. The royal added that it was 'very important' for his eldest and the 'next generation' to hear the stories from those who fought for our nation. George was snapped beaming as he shook hands with one esteemed veteran. The Prince and Princess of Wales face the big decision of deciding which school George will attend once he turns 13 next year. In April, the Daily Mail's Richard Eden reported that Prince George visited Eton College before the boarding school broke up for the Easter holidays to see where he would stay if he goes to his father's alma mater next year. Although George might be expected to follow in his father's footsteps and attend £63,000-per-year Eton, it remains unclear if he will do so. There has been speculation that George could follow the example of his mother, the Princess of Wales, and her siblings, Pippa Matthews and James Middleton, and attend Marlborough College, the Wiltshire boarding school where annual fees are £59,000. Unlike Eton, Marlborough is co-educational. George's parents have been spotted at a number of potential choices, including Highgate School in north London. Catherine was reported to be attracted to Highgate because it has a 'world-class' drama department. However, it would seem an unlikely choice as it is 30 miles from Windsor and commuting across the capital could take an hour each way. Richard Eden says that Eton remains the family's preferred choice as William, Catherine and their three children live mainly at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park, which is just a short walk away. George has four terms left at Lambrook School, in the Berkshire countryside, where his sister, Princess Charlotte, aged nine, and Prince Louis, six, are also day pupils. Eton's Provost – equivalent of chairman of governors at other schools - is Sir Nicholas Coleridge, the former Conde Nast magazine boss who is a friend of the royals. He made clear last December that he would not be doing any favours for chums, however high-born. 'I find myself receiving a torrent of letters and emails from friends of friends, hinting that they hope I can help them secure a place for their sons or grandsons,' Sir Nicholas wrote in The Spectator magazine. 'There is a rigorous admissions system here, run with integrity, and it is awkward when the prospective boy hasn't caught the selector's eye.'