Happy birthday to an ex-Wrexham AFC Women’s star midfielder

One of the best midfielders to play for a North Wales women’s football team is 33 today.

Born on June 17, 1988, in Birkenhead, Wirral, Lyndsey Rodger is best known for her successful spell with Wrexham in the Welsh Premier Women’s League between 2012-13 and 2015-16.

A stylish midfielder with tremendous passing ability. her set-piece deliveries and penchant for scoring from long range made her a stand-out performer.

Football was always been a big part of Lyndsey’s childhood and she grew up regularly watching Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park with her parents and sister.

After playing for her school football team, she was invited to train with Tranmere Rovers and later joined their U10s at the age of eight. She continued to play for the Prentonians for the next 13 years.

Lyndsey joined Wrexham in 2010 and rates the coaching she received from then manager Dave Taylor as a massive influence on her career.

She said: “He used his knowledge and experience of the game to motivate the team, and help our confidence grow. His techniques suited my style of play and he helped me overcome my weaknesses and believe in my own ability.”

Not many players get the chance to come up against their role model, but when she was at Tranmere, Lyndsey faced England international Fara Williams when she was with Everton.

As for a male role model, Lyndsey has always admired Andrés Iniesta as his desire for the ball and successful passing rate was very inspiring to watch.

Lyndsey was a key player when Wrexham finished third in the Welsh Premier Women’s League in 2012-13.

It was the first season the league went fully national and the Dragons achieved what is still the highest position a North Wales team has managed at that level.

Wrexham remained strong and competitive, also enjoying some good cup runs, until they dropped out of the league for the 2015-16 season citing a lack of players.

Lyndsey returned to the English pyramid system and currently plays for Wirral side West Kirby.

Happy birthday Lyndsey – you won a lot of admirers in North Wales football.