Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I thank Jack Sargeant for introducing this afternoon's short debate on a topic that I know Jack and many others know is very close to my heart too? Although it's been a few weeks since the world cup play-off final against Ukraine, it still doesn't feel quite real, does it? The euphoria around that is still with us, but the achievement of the Cymru men's senior team in reaching the finals of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in 64 years is just simply awesome, an accomplishment that has been considered an impossible dream for so long. And there have been so many near misses along the way of that painful journey since 1958, but, finally, we can put that particular heartache to rest. It's a fitting testament to the determination, the perseverance and the belief of Rob Page's players and staff. The passion, the commitment, the sportsmanship shown by the team both on and, equally important, as Llyr Gruffydd said, off the pitch has rightly been praised across the sporting world and inspired the nation. When, as a small nation, Wales does well on the sporting stage, the whole nation glows, and we can certainly feel the positive energy building from this exciting opportunity that lies ahead.

Wales reaching the world cup finals has already given a boost to the whole country, and I'm sure it will open the door for many opportunities. And to that end, we are working with the FAW and other stakeholders to consider how to maximise the opportunities that will come to Wales with participation on this international stage. Football, especially a prestigious global tournament such as the world cup, is an opportunity to reach a global audience and to tell the world about Wales, who we are and what we do. I'm certain that this success will inspire many people, boys and girls, young and old, to participate in a sport and will undoubtedly leave a very strong and positive legacy.

We should also remember, as Jack Sargeant pointed out, that the Cymru women's senior team is still well placed to qualify for the women's world cup next year as well, a reflection of how much positive progress has been made in recent years in the women's game. Like many of us, I'm looking forward to the remaining matches in their qualifying campaign in September and would like to take this opportunity to wish them all the very best too.

Now, these successes don't happen overnight, of course, and it starts by getting it right at grass roots and making sure that our young athletes have the opportunity to develop their skills and have the facilities to play. Our programme for government recognises that sport is of vital importance to both the Welsh economy and to national life. It commits the Welsh Government to harness the creativity and sporting ability of the people in Wales and ensure that the industry has the support it needs to maintain its proper place on the world stage. And that is why the Welsh Government is investing £24 million over the next three years in sporting facilities, so that sportspeople of all ages and abilities can enjoy their chosen sport and learn new skills. I'm particularly pleased that the FAW has also committed to using its world cup qualification dividend to support and develop grass-roots facilities, and I would certainly encourage Buckley Town and any club wanting to improve their facilities to get in touch with the FAW and Sport Wales to discuss the options open to them.

I also agree with Jack's point that there's more room for football clubs to play a role as centres for the community and to encourage and inspire people to focus on their health and well-being, and I applaud the work that Jack has done in this area. I'm also pleased that the FAW is already thinking along these lines too. Of course, I have to mention my own team, Merthyr Town, in this context, and the club is very much community orientated and fan owned and has a track record of raising and supporting issues around mental health, from the We Wear The Same Shirt campaign with Time to Change and the FAW back in 2015 to the most recent Mind Cymru's Terrace Talk campaign. I was also pleased to learn that Trefelin Boys and Girls Club in Cymru south league appointed a dedicated mental health officer earlier this year, working alongside a local charity to support their players and staff whenever needed.

Turning now to broadcasting of matches, as you know, this isn't a devolved area, so there is a limit to what the Welsh Government can do here. So, although there is good news in the short term, and partnership work with S4C has been very positive, the UK Government needs to be doing much more to make sure that the 'crown jewels' sporting list is still relevant to all countries in the UK.

Dirprwy Lywydd, it's not just about matters on the pitch that we can demonstrate our strength as a nation. We can also show leadership, and it is absolutely right that this includes diversity at all levels of the game. That leadership, soft power or public diplomacy, is also a lever for international engagement; it raises Wales's profile and enables us to tell our story on a world stage. This is particularly relevant in this world cup, as I know many Members and fans do have concerns about the host country, Qatar. As such, I believe we've got a moral responsibility to engage with countries that do not always share our values, whether that is on human rights, LGBTQ+ rights, workers' rights, or political and religious freedoms. Engaging with countries is an opportunity to develop a platform for further discussion, to raise awareness and to influence.

In conclusion, Dirprwy Lywydd, I'm grateful to Members for their contributions and the unity in this Senedd behind Cymru. It's wonderful to see us as a nation expand our reach on the world stage even further through the power of sport, and I can't wait for the world cup finals later this year. I'm sure all Members will join me in wishing the players, staff and the fans all the very, very best of luck in Qatar.