Page 3 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.22 2022-23

Striker Helen Ward, Wales’ all-time leading goalscorer, has announced her retirement from the
international game having scored an incredible 44 goals in 105 appearances.
Ward will turn 37 next month and has been a huge source of inspiration to the players who
have emerged through the ranks and into the senior squad since she made her debut against
Luxembourg back in September 2008. It could have been a very different story for Ward as she
represented England at U23 level prior to making the switch to Wales, but over the course of the
last 15 years she has played an important role in the progress and development that has moved
the team to within touching distance of an appearance at the finals of a major tournament.
What makes Ward's longevity in the professional game all the more remarkable is that she
has given birth to two children, Emily and Charlie, in the last decade while also having her career
put on hold three years ago by the pandemic. Her dedication and commitment to returning to
professional football each time is an inspiration to any female athlete, while her passion for
representing Cymru has been a driving force and a source of personal pride for Ward throughout
her international career. It is testament to Ward's character how she has broken down barriers
to continue to play at the very highest-level.
A consistent goalscorer for Arsenal, Chelsea, Reading and Watford during her club career,
Ward qualified for Wales through her grandmother, and made headlines in August 2010 when
she scored six goals in a 15-0 win over Azerbaijan.
Ward has witnessed first-hand the significant progress and development of the women's
game at club and international level, and it was fitting that her 44th and final goal for Wales was
delivered in what was a record attendance at the time of 5,455 as Estonia were beaten 4-0 in
Cardiff back in October 2021. Ward would also feature from the substitutes bench in the 1-0 win
over Bosnia and Herzegovina a year later, as an incredible 15,200 fans got behind the side. An
unthinkable figure at the time of her debut. Although that campaign would end in play-off
heartbreak and would prove to be Ward's final chance of reaching a major tournament, it does
mean that Ward ends her international journey with Wales in their best ever position both on
and off the field.
Helen has issued the following statement:
“Luxembourg, Tuesday 30th September 2008. The day my life changed. It was the first
time I’d pulled on the red shirt and proudly wore the Dragon on my chest. I stood for THE
anthem and suddenly, it became more than just a game. Never did I imagine that that honour
would be bestowed upon me more than a hundred times over.
I was part of a family. As an outsider from across the bridge, I was welcomed into the
most special group of people and I never looked back. Those girls, that team and Cymru became
everything to me.
The pride I feel every time I hear those words; ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ and the sense
of belonging will never, ever leave me. Playing for Wales became my why. It’s the reason I kept
going and wanting to improve; the reason I came back after having my children; why I didn’t
let Covid be the end and why I realise that it’s not where you are born that counts, but where
you feel like you belong and I’ve never felt more at home than when I’m with my team, in Wales.
It breaks my heart that I didn’t make it to a major tournament with this team, that I
wasn’t at my peak when so many of my teammates were and are. But I KNOW they will make
it soon and they will shine on the biggest stage of all and I cannot wait to be their best
cheerleader when that happens.
It’s not always been easy, but it’s been the best ride of my life and I couldn’t have done it
without my girls. Some of you have been there from day one and plenty more have joined along
the way. They’re a special bunch and they’re my family.
Diolch to every player, staff member and fan who have trusted me, a muggle, to represent
you and wear your shirt. The love I have for you is endless.
I gave you everything I have, I hope you know that.
Dwi’n dy garu di, Cymru.“
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk