A Remarkable Achievement for Lili Jones
Lili Jones, a 19-year-old footballer from Wrexham, has been honored with one of Wales’ most prestigious awards at the National Eisteddfod. The recognition highlights her significant contributions to women's football, her support for young female athletes, and her efforts in promoting Welsh culture. For Jones, this honor is not just a personal achievement but also a meaningful milestone that reflects her deep connection to her heritage.
The National Eisteddfod is a festival celebrating Wales' language, arts, and cultural traditions. It brings together individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the nation. Those recognized are inducted as honorary druids and receive blue robes as a symbol of their service. Jones was among those honored, marking a special moment in her life.
Jones’s journey in football began at a young age. She started playing with a local boys’ team and continued until she reached secondary school. At 12, she moved to Wrexham's women's foundation before signing with Everton, where she spent two seasons. Returning to Wrexham at 15, she made her senior debut for Wrexham AFC Women at just 16 in September 2021, scoring twice. In 2023, she became the club's youngest player to be awarded a semi-professional contract.
Beyond her football career, Jones has become a prominent voice in discussions about the impact of football on young women's physical and mental health. She has used her platform to promote Wrexham and the Welsh language, appearing on radio and TV programs worldwide. Her involvement in the popular "Welcome to Wrexham" documentary series further amplified her influence and led to her being honored with the blue robe.
Jones found out about the award during a football tournament in Hong Kong after receiving a call telling her to check her emails. Initially, she struggled to believe she had been nominated, saying, “At first, I found it hard to reconcile the nomination with what I'd actually done.” However, she quickly realized that her passion for football and the Welsh language had resonated with others.
Wearing the blue robe was an emotional experience for Jones, especially since her bardic name included her late father’s name. This added a deeply personal significance to the honor. She described the moment as “an amazing feeling” and said she was “so grateful.”
The Eisteddfod being held in her hometown has been a unique and cherished experience for Jones. She praised the festival for bringing the community together and encouraging people to practice the Welsh language without fear of judgment. She also noted the positive impact of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds’ ownership of the football team, which has helped make the people of Wrexham feel more seen and valued.
As the festival continues, Jones acknowledges that while the current energy is high, there may be challenges once it ends. However, she remains optimistic about the long-term benefits for the Welsh community.
The National Eisteddfod has attracted over 150,000 attendees this week, with 6,000 competitors showcasing the best of Welsh language art, music, drama, and literature. Held alternately in north and south Wales, this year marks the first time since 2011 that the event has taken place in the area. The festival continues to be a powerful celebration of Welsh identity and culture.