The Wales senior women’s football team’s journey to the Women’s Euros 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable. Following their victory against Slovakia in October, the mission remained clear for the crucial final playoff against Ireland: prepare every player to perform at their peak across two games, the first in Cardiff and the second at the iconic Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Similar to the previous camp, players arrived at the 10-day camp in varying states of readiness. For some, their football season had concluded, while others were mid-season or recovering from injuries. Those returning from injury or whose seasons had ended joined the camp early to optimise their preparation. Using pre-camp data received from clubs, we once again individualised training plans for the beginning of camp. For example, some players had played 90 minutes on the day of arrival, on top of that, others travelled from America immediately after their game. These MDT discussions ensure every player’s readiness for the 2-game schedule ahead.
Recovery and nutrition were central to the camp’s success. We provided a range of recovery options, from guided mobility and foam rolling sessions, meditation and breathwork, to ice baths and once again bringing in an external cryotherapy unit.
Players were encouraged to choose options that best suited their needs from a ‘recovery menu’ which allowed them to take ownership of their recovery. Nutrition was equally comprehensive, featuring personalised supplementation and meals produced by a travelling performance chef. Importantly, this included a festive Christmas dinner – complete with Christmas jumpers – this also helped to bring the group closer together during this high-pressure period.
The first game in Cardiff ended in a draw, setting the stage for a decisive away match in Dublin. The team’s resilience and preparation culminated in a gripping 2-1 victory. This win secured Wales’ spot in the Women’s Euros 2025 in Switzerland, their first every appearance at a major tournament and a historic achievement and a testament to the players’ dedication and the unwavering support of the staff.
As an applied practitioner, being part of this journey has been profoundly rewarding. Witnessing a collective effort of players and staff passionately pursuing a shared, long-term goal has reinforced my passion for working in applied sport science. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of experts, with a single, shared focus, has been both refreshing and inspiring. The collaborative approach from physiologists and nutritionists to psychologists and technical coaches demonstrates the critical role of teamwork in achieving success in elite sport.
This experience also underscores the importance of adaptability in sport science. Whether planning individualised recovery strategies or managing players’ diverse needs, flexibility and responsiveness has been vital. It’s this dynamic environment that makes the work both exciting and impactful. Seeing the players thrive with this type of support reaffirms the value of personalised, evidence-based approaches to preparation and recovery.
After over 15 years in the field, moments like these remind me why I entered the world of sport science. They serve as a powerful motivator to continue pushing boundaries and exploring innovative methods to support athletes. With the Women’s Euros on the horizon, the Wales women’s journey doesn’t end here. The team’s focus is now on maintaining peak performance and building on this momentum. For all involved, the excitement and determination to excel continue to drive the team forward toward new challenges and opportunities in high-performance sport.
D.T.Lothian@bham.ac.uk