Although there is funding from the government, it's limited. "We receive government and national lottery funding, however, it doesn’t stretch very far as such our players have to contribute towards their performance programme thus ensuring they can perform at the highest level on the world stage," Burrage-Male told this daily.
"The players tend to meet monthly on weekends to train, and as competitions draw closer they will meet more regularly. Most of the players here are either students or working part-time.
"There isn’t as much money in our sport as other nations and as we continue to improve on the global stage we are at a pivotal point to ensure we inspire future generations and encourage young and old to play our game. Our challenge is that it's not easy to go and have a kick about in a park-like football or rugby, our sport requires a bit more organisation which is the responsibility of the NGB, as such exposing young boys and girls to the sport requires school engagement, community participation and a strong club network. We have a full league structure with clubs across Wales, some participating in the English league."
There is also a small but passionate bunch of fans — family — who are in India to support the side. At pushback time on Friday, these fans, who have made Ranchi their base for the World Cup, will be tucked away in a very small corner of the Stadium.
It's likely they will scream Ymlaen. It's how you say 'Come On' in Welsh. After years and years of grinding it out, Shipperley & Co. will be looking to do just that.
