Happy 24th birthday to Olivia Fuller

One of North Wales’ finest footballers competing in the English pyramid celebrates her 24th birthday today.

Many happy returns to Olivia Fuller, born on July 25, 1997.

The central defender will continue to play for AFC Fylde of the tier 3 FA Women’s National League North this season.

The 2021-22 campaign will start on August 15 with Fylde home to West Bromwich Albion.

Olivia first signed for the Coasters in July 2017 from WSL 2 club Sheffield LFC.

The daughter of former Southport, Rhyl and Colwyn Bay defender, as well as championship-winning Prestatyn Town manager Dave Fuller, Olivia showed tremendous talent from an early age.

Her first team was Prestatyn Girls, who she represented for a couple of years before joining Liverpool Centre Of Excellence at the age of 9.

She stayed with Liverpool, where she won the FA Youth Cup, for 10 years before moving to Sheffield, then onto Fylde four years ago.

Originally a central-midfielder, she found her true niche as a centre-back.

Her proudest moment in football to date came on June 1, 2014, when Olivia captained Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Merseyside rivals Everton in the FA Girls’ Youth Cup Final at the MK Stadium, MK Dons FC.

Olivia has been capped for her country all the way up to under-19 level.

One of her greatest days came when playing for Wales U-16’s against England. The Welsh were losing 1-0, until Olivia equalised directly from a free kick.

She was involved in the Wales teams from the ages of 13-19, captaining the U-16’s, and took part in tournaments in England, Ireland, Scotland and European competitions in Latvia, Denmark and Macedonia.

Definitely one of the best North Wales has produced – happy birthday Liv.