National Lottery support for Bala rugby coach Tirion

So the youngster did the unthinkable and took over the reins herself.

The Manchester-born prop passed her coaching exams on her 18th birthday and, having seen the number of girls’ teams explode under her tutelage, she was nominated for The National Lottery’s The People’s Portraits campaign.

Tirion's unwavering dedication has been recognised as part of a campaign championing the individuals and projects who have achieved incredible things for women in sport in their communities, with the help of National Lottery funding and players, who raise £30 million for good causes every week.

To celebrate her incredible achievements, artist Yoniest Chun, known for his cartoon-inspired work, has created a digital piece of art that immortalises her story.

From rescuing her own side, Bala now has five full girls’ teams from under-nines upwards and Tirion is thrilled with the exponential growth of the women’s game.

“I think it’s down to the realisation that women can play a sport such as rugby, but also us raising awareness ourselves saying we want to play which has been supported by so many people,” she said.

“I think the number of girls and women coming into the sport is crazy. As president of the Swansea University rugby team, from 20 applicants we had 130 people sign up this year. 

“So, it shows that it’s not just on a World Cup level, it’s right from grassroots. It just takes that one person who’s not scared to do it. 

“I went on to that pitch aged 11 and showed the boys how to do it.”

The artwork of Tirion Thomas created by Yoniest Chun (Image: National Lottery)

Before starting a midwifery course at Swansea University, Tirion juggled her coaching qualifications with schoolwork and even took a year out to support Clwb Rygbi y Bala.

“The coaching courses were mixed and also at a younger age it was quite a step to take, but it needed to be done for women's and my community at home,” she said.

“So, it was something I felt passionate about doing and getting it done as soon as possible.”

National Lottery funding not only helped Tirion through her coaching badges, but also provided essential supplies that saw the popularity of the female section rocket.

“National Lottery funding supported me doing those coaching courses and buy kits for us, she added.

“When we first started, we were going out in ancient rugby kit that was down to our knees. 

“Then at the season presentations we were able to buy awards for the girls. That’s the part that rewarded the girls and made them want to put more effort in. Those little things go a long way.”

READ MORE: National Lottery funding goes to vital Denbigh project

Tirion has played with Wales international Gwenllian Pyrs and captain Siwan Lillicrap was a coach at Swansea University before she went professional in March.

And Tirion got up early before her shifts to cheer on her idols at the Rugby World Cup, delighted that the WRU has finally rewarded their stars with full-time deals.

“It's absolutely amazing,” she said.

“It’s the way that rugby needs to go. 

“I have no doubt that women’s rugby could be as big as men’s rugby one day.”

Three additional digital portraits have been created and unveiled by digital artist, Yoniest Chun, which immortalise the stories of other individuals and projects who have achieved incredible things for women in sport in their communities.

These include Helen Hardy, from Manchester Laces in Manchester; Fiona McIntyre, head of girls’ and women’s football at the Scottish Football Association; and Elaine Junk from Mid-Ulster Football Association in Northern Ireland.

National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for good causes.

Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk