FOOTBALL'S surge in popularity across Wales over the last decade has been all embracing.
While the men's national team's group stage exit at the World Cup and the women's team missing out on the on qualification via the play-offs were disappointing, few could argue each represented progress.
The legacy of such progress and continued development of the game will now be undertaken on pitches across Wales.
Talbot Field, home of Berriew Football Club, has long been the home of the thriving girls section, and the club hopes many will graduate to senior football in coming years.
Berriew under 16's v Newtown Under 16's. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB120-2022
Under 16s coach Mark Farrington said the main challenge was now securing opposition for his players.
As such a friendly played against Newtown Academy last month and forthcoming fixture against Wrexham will provide his players with much needed competition.
Berriew girls under 16s. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.
Mark said: "There are not many clubs in the area with girls sides unfortunately but hopefully more girls start playing now with football so popular."
Berriew under 16's v Newtown Under 16's.Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB120-2022
Berriew's crop of youngsters need not look far for inspiration with current Wales and Manchester United star Carrie Jones a graduate of the club's junior ranks.
Jones, along with Blackburn Rovers' Maria Francis-Jones of Llanidloes each represent Wales while Ceri Holland, currently at Liverpool, also qualifies for Wales through her Llanrhaeadr-born mother.
rriew under 16's v Newtown Under 16's.Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB120-2022
However at club level the area has lost many of those which made up the long defunct Mid and North Powys Women's League which operated two divisions at its height.
Yet the creation of a women's pyramid has seen two mid Wales and border clubs compete in the top flight in the form of Aberystwyth Town and TNS while Llanfair United represent Powys in the second tier.
Newtown Under 16's.Picture by Phil Blagg Photography..PB120-2022
Welshpool Town also run a senior women's team in the Staffordshire League having competed in the North Wales Women's League the previous season while further south Penybont United and Hay St Mary's also compete cross border in the Herefordshire League.
With girls sections being developed at a majority of Powys clubs it is hoped the establishment of a senior women's league will one day ensure competitive football for aspiring female footballers across the county.
Meanwhile the success of the national teams is expected to lead ever more youngsters taking up the sport.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here