How Welsh Football Saved The Welsh Language

Over the last ten years Welsh football has experienced a revolution. On the pitch, they started the decade ranked 117th in the world, the lowest point in their history. Yet by 2015 they had even surpassed England to reach a high of 8th. A Euros Semi final followed and Wales find now themselves in the fight for a first World Cup spot since 1958. However, off the pitch is where you’ll find the real story. The fans, inspired by their team, have created a special culture as their under threat language is given a space to thrive. Directed by @gregcaine93 ‘Independent Football Nation’ tells the story of how following Welsh football, particularly on away trips, has become the quintessential expression of a modern, bilingual Welsh identity. This is COPA90 stories in its purest form. Directed by: Greg Caine Camera-operator: Charlie Phillips Translation: Manon Evans & Gareth Evans Music: Adwaith (Libertino Records) Modern Aquatic Mobile footage credit: Tim Nicholls Aled Williams Joel Pugh Image credit: Leigh James With special thanks to all interviewees and everyone else who gave up part of their trip to talk to us. For more info on how you can get involved in the Creator Commissions head to: https://www.copa90.com/en/creatorcomm... For more info and content: https://www.copa90.com/stories Sign up to our weekly COPA90 Stories newsletter: https://www.copa90.com/en/newsletter