FAW head of women’s football Lowri Roberts recently stated the Ardal Leagues are unlikely to produce players of Wales international standard in the near future.
She did say, however, that current talented Welsh players aged between 17 and 19 could, with the right nurturing, get to professional standard and shine in the kind of high performance environment representing Wales demands.
Whether she is right or not is another matter, but Grassroots NW recently came up with 12 North Wales names we think fit the bill for what Ms Roberts may be appertaining to.
We’ve since had another think, engaged in a few chats, and chosen a few more potential Wales candidates.
We’re not messing about here, we’re not playing games, we believe in these players and so do their clubs. We’ve had the advantage of watching them, while Cardiff together:stronger machines haven’t.
So here’s a few more for Lowri Roberts or Wales women’s teams manager Gemma Grainger (if she ever gets to see them) might care to run the rule over.
I didn’t select a goalkeeper in my last 12, this time I have.
Catrin comes highly recommended by Felinheli manager/coach Aaron Jones-Evans, whose team celebrated winning the NWCFA Challenge Cup on Sunday.
Aaron said: “She’s just turned 17 but is on a different level!
“Wrexham, Chester and Connah’s Quay tried to snap her up last summer when she came through the youth set up – a very bright talent.”
Winger Ellie recently turned 19 and is close to completing her second season with Amlwch, having also briefly featured in the Genero Adran North with Bethel.
Her pace and energy is really impressive and she has a decent goalscoring record.
Ellie has been chosen for the Ynys Môn women’s squad to compete in the 2023 Island Games in Guernsey.
One of several outstanding under-19 players at tier 2 Genero Adran North club Nomads.
Mainly a left-winger, Ella has also played for Northop Hall in the past.
The 18-year-old came on as a substitute when Nomads beat league champions Llandudno in last season’s NEWFA Cup Final.
Steadily making her mark as a first team prospect.
Penyffordd girl who was part of The New Saints squad which finished second in the Adran North Under-19 Championship this season.
Forward Seren was selected for the Welsh Colleges squad which competed in an international tournament in Rome this year.
She hopes to break into the senior women’s side at TNS next season. The team competed in the elite top-four Championship of the Adran Premier this term.
Kayla has been a superb addition to the Rhyl squad in their first season in Genero Adran North.
She is a versatile player who can slot into almost any position and produce some brilliant performances.
Kayla is a huge threat going forward. She has bags of speed which she has used to produce some goal scoring opportunities for the team this season.
And as a great end-of-season bonus, she even bagged herself a goal in the last game of the 2022-23 campaign against CPDM Y Felinheli.
This young livewire can be impactive from the start of a game, or be a more than useful asset as a substitute to provide fresh legs for an attack needing an injection of dynamism.
The baby of the Cain football family.
Lara, Ryan, Jody, Jack and Kyla all play for either Llangefni Town or Y Felinheli.
Kyla, 16, is left-footed and plays left back. She recently found snow in Spain.
Felinheli manager/coach Aaron Jones-Evans said: “She is very good on the ball and her positional play is excellent for her age… and obviously she has that famous Cain gas tank! (they are a family of distance runners, which of course helps the stamina).
“Another one who is the future of our club.”
Winger or striker who has produced some great displays for Rhyl this season. This player never stops trying.
Her captain, Rachael Thomas, said: “We always knew Llio was a very good player but she has stepped up her game again since coming into the ladies team.
“Llio’s work ethic is exceptional, she does not stop running. Llio always gives 100 percent and is a strong player who will drive at opponents and create goal scoring opportunities for the team.”
With 32 goals in 30 appearances in her two seasons with Amlwch so far, Tesni is undoubtedly one of the best young forwards in North Wales.
She joined the Anglesey club from Caernarfon Town early in 2021-22 and her pace and direct attacking style immediately made an impact on her new team.
Tesni, 19, has netted six hat-tricks for Amlwch and was the leading scorer in Ynys Môn senior women’s football last term.
Effective and lively at eight right-back or left-back, aged just 16.
Rhyl skipper Rachael Thomas said: “Millie is another player who has slotted right into the team this season and has definitely shown she is more than capable playing ladies football.
“Millie is solid in her tackles and has produced some fantastic last-minute slide tackles for us this season. Millie is a pacy full back which has assisted us greatly.
“She is not only a brilliant defender but is also confident to join in the attack and uses her pace to beat wingers.”
Sienna Strapp (Connah’s Quay Nomads)
Erin Doran (Llandudno)
Mia Roberts (CPDM Bangor 1876)
Jess Jones (Llangefni Town)
Elana Harley (Connah’s Quay Nomads)
Iona Sloan-Lewis (CPDM Y Felinheli)
Rosie Hughes (Flint Town United)
Lili Jones (Wrexham)
Lily Whitefoot (Wrexham)
Ella Jones (CPDM Bangor 1876)
Yasmin Wilcox (Trearddur Bay)
Polly Wild McGregor (Connah’s Quay Nomads)
Scott Reeves of Rhos Aelwyd (left) and Liam Marshall of Corwen in action last Saturday.…
NFA form a guard of honour for Ardal North West League champions CPD Dinas Bangor…
Airbus lifted the NEWFA Challenge Cup last season Following Buckley Town's withdrawal from the NEWFA…
Asa Hamilton has departed as Buckley Town manager Buckley Town have parted company with manager…
Connah's Quay Nomads celebrate their 2020-21 Cymru Premier title victory, Nomads are the longest-serving North…
Harri Lewis-Jones was a hat-trick hero in a welcome Ruthin Town Reserves win on Monday…