Former Wales internationals reunite on the pitch after 44 years

Colleen O’Connor recognized a new participant at her football training session. However, it was only after a conversation with Mandy Beach at a pub later that they discovered they were former teammates who had represented Wales together over four decades prior. Both women, currently in their 60s, were pioneers for their nation following the lifting of the prohibition on women’s football in 1970, though their contributions received formal acknowledgment only recently. They have reignited their passion for the sport in Caerphilly through walking football, with Colleen stating: “We’ve done it 44 years ago and look at us now, still doing it. There’s hope for all of us.” During the 1970s, Mandy and Colleen belonged to the initial cohort of women permitted to play football, and both became members of a Newport club. They played a few matches for Wales between 1980 and 1981, when Colleen was a teenager and Mandy was in her early twenties. Forty years later, women’s football has expanded significantly, and the Wales squad is potentially close to qualifying for their inaugural major tournament, having advanced to the Euro 2025 play-off final. Mandy, now 65, reflected on their early experiences, saying: “It was absolutely fabulous.”Even though it was a small crowd it was such a big occasion, and I remember our shirts were borrowed from Swansea. It was a crazy time but we thoroughly enjoyed it.” Back then, the team lacked official recognition from the Football Association of Wales, necessitating players to cover their own travel expenses. Colleen, 62, commented: “I’d be earning a wage and it’d be gone by Friday, because that’s the way it was.”But if you love the sport you’re going to do it.” The women also contended with prevailing social attitudes, particularly from men. Mandy stated: “We seriously trained and played, and we could kick a ball just as well as anybody else.”But we felt a bit downtrodden. We were laughed upon a little bit, and I lost a little bit of heart. I didn’t play football after that.” Following childbirth, Mandy and Colleen both ceased playing football for many years, until their unexpected meeting at the walking football team, established two years ago in Caerphilly. Colleen recounted: “This newbie come in the gym and I thought ‘I know her from somewhere’.”Nothing was said then until the pub after. I asked her ‘where you from then Mand?'”‘I used to play for Newport Ladies, she said, with Wendy and Colleen’. And I said “Oh, that’s me!” Currently, the pair train every week with Caerphilly Castle FC and have also participated in a Wales over-60s walking team – which is, at present, unofficial. Mandy remarked: “44 years is such a long time.”She further described it as “mad” that they were once more playing for the same team. Bethan Bushen, who leads women’s football at the club, views their renewed passion for the sport as “inspirational”. Bethan commented: “It’s that camaraderie, these women turn up and have a brilliant time.”We want to create that pathway where you can be 40, 50, 60, 70, 80-plus, and still continue to enjoy the game, stay fit and healthy, or just enjoy the social side of it.”It’s not just about being competitive and winning matches, it’s about having a good time and making friends.” Earlier in the current month, Mandy and Colleen were among 47 women awarded honorary caps for playing for Wales between 1973 and 1993, a period preceding the team’s official affiliation with the FAW. Colleen described the day as one she “never thought would come”, but can now proudly show her accomplishment to her 12 grandchildren. She stated: “I thought I’d be in my grave before I had that cap.”But it was an honour going up, and I did enjoy it, it brought a tear to my eye. To see all the girls who’ve been there and done it, it’s absolutely fantastic.” They indicated they would now be following the current generation, as Rhian Wilkinson’s team prepares for the Euro 2025 play-off final against the Republic of Ireland. Mandy remarked: “To see them now, it’s absolutely brilliant.”It should’ve started years ago, but I’m so pleased for them.”My only wish is that I was playing football now in this day and age, because this is when it’s thriving. It’s so much better, and different as well with people’s attitudes.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.