It will be interesting to see what emerges from the forthcoming age groups trials for the Wales women’s and girls national teams organised by the FAW.
The deadline to apply for these trials due to be held in North and South Wales was last night. I know that quite a few girls registered their interest after reading an article on Grassroots North Wales.
Pessimists have already told me that while there is an abundance of female talent in the North Wales League in the 16-19 age group, their chances of getting selected are slim.
This is largely due to the FAW’s strong leanings towards South Wales players, or those Welsh girls signed up to English clubs.
Is there any possibility at all of Jayne Ludlow taking another punt on a 15-year-old like Carrie Jones, the Cardiff City prospect from Powys recently selected for the full Wales squad?
That remains to be seen.
Yesterday, I chose eight players in the 16-19 age bracket playing in the North Wales Women’s League that I consider worthy of international recognition.
I’ve now added to the squad, after some consultation with clubs, and between us we’ve come up with this list of 20.
Bear in mind, these selections are 16-19 year olds playing in the North Wales Women’s League ONLY!
Joint top-scorer for Airbus’ first team last season, Tegan has also been in the goals this season for the Wingmakers. Right winger or forward, a dazzling prospect.
A brilliant young left-back who gives her all week in, week out. Her tackling and positioning is top quality and while a quiet girl off the field, she is a real fighter and motivator on it.
Rangers’ youngest player, having turned 16 in June. She has played a full 90 minutes of every game so far this season at left back. Confident in her role at left back and thrives on her tackling abilities, definite international potential.
Just 16, tall, composed midfielder who stands out in North Wales League Division Two and is interesting many teams at a higher level. Young, ambitious, committed. she controls games and creates opportunities out of nothing.
Young Player of the Year last season and has started this campaign as she finished the last, having contributed two goals plus numerous assists from her position on either wing.
Age 18. Quality defender who is coming on in leaps and bounds for Rhyl-based NFA in the North Wales Women’s League.
Since making her senior debut in January this year, 16-year-old Catrin has scored 28 goals in 26 matches for Bethel and current club Amlwch. Flying winger, pure class.
Just 16, but has already impressed everyone at the club with her ability to operate in any position.
Strong, powerful young forward with bags of pace and an eye for goal. Links well with Ffion Wyn Williams up front. Was in Anglesey squad which finished runners-up in Inter-Island Games during the summer.
Currently injured so will probably miss out this time, but what a classy defender. Highly rated and well worthy of international recognition.
Slightly-built but strong midfielder, lovely ball skills, key player in Bethel’s highly talented young Division One side. Aged just 17.
Three youngsters with tremendous ability who have sadly struggled with injuries this season, but have the ability to shine at a high level when fit.
Alishia has played in the Welsh Premier for Caernarfon Town and is a lightning quick forward who impressed towards the end of last season for Rangers. Jess, 17, stood out in pre-season, but injuries have held her back. Her long throws are something to see!
Kreena scored a screamer against Bethesda last season and produced numerous other fine displays. She just needs some luck on the injuries front now and she will flourish.
Age 17. Elegant ball-player who is solid at the back and always an asset going forward. Set-piece specialist.
Strong in defence, possesses a lot of pace that could beat most defenders, can strike a ball and has scored some great goals. One of a number of quality youngsters at Corwen.
Industrious attacking midfielder who has seven goals to her name already this season for Penrhyn Bay in North Wales League Division Two. Been part of the Wales set-up before.
Brilliant young right-back who loves to get forward. Scored a cracking goal in Welsh Cup win over Connah’s Quay last weekend.
While playing in a new senior side currently finding its feet in the North Wales League, Caitlin has been receiving rave reports for her midfield pace and skills. One to watch at just 16.
Superb defender who has slotted in perfectly to a thriving young Bethel side. Key part of a great defence which includes Beca Williams, Jenna Allsup, Anest Roberts and Kelly Jones. Llio is fit, strong and composed on the ball.
Turned 18 in September. Exceptional central defender who shone with Bangor City for a couple of seasons before moving away from the area. Returned to North Wales recently and has now signed for Llandudno. One to watch.
Another player who would no doubt be flying now but for injuries. Recurring shoulder problems have ruled her out for some time, but hopefully better news to come in the new year after another operation. At her best Ceri is a deadly striker, exceptional pace and brilliant finishing ability. Represented Ynys Mon in 2019 Inter-Island Games.
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