Called up for Wales Under-16s at the age of 12! Mabli’s a phenomenon!
Caernarfon Town Academy player Mabli Blackshaw has been called up for Wales Under-16 Girls – at the age of just 12!
The Holyhead phenomenon is in the Cymru U16 squad to play two matches against the Republic of Ireland squad next month.
Grassroots North Wales first featured Mabli last year when she reached the 100 goals mark for the season representing Holyhead Hotspur under-11 boys!
She left Hotspur to join the Caernarfon Academy under-12s in February and they went onto to win the FAW Academy League North.
They then travelled down to Cardiff and won the National FAW title against Briton Ferry Llansawel under-12s 3-2, with Mabli scoring twice.
She has remained with Caernarfon Town Academy for the 2024/25 season, playing her first game on Sunday when she netted once in a 7-0 beating of Newtown.
Her dad Gareth says she is really settled and loving it at Caernarfon.
She also attends the Regional Centre at Colliers Park, Wrexham and plays friendlies for them when she can.
Gareth said: “Both Caernarfon and the FAW have been unbelievable in their help and support for her progression. She has been for an under-15 training camp and also an under-16 camp and following this she has now been called for these fixtures.
“At 12 years old it’s a pinch yourself moment but she takes it all in her stride and I think she leaves the worrying and nerves up to us!”
The versatile and very pacy Mabli can play left wing, right wing or central midfield, as well as obviously striker.
She will be in line for her first ever international appearance in September.
Gareth explained: “The under-15s are off to Croatia shortly, but Mabli cannot be considered as that is a UEFA tournament and Mabli is too young. Ironically she can play for the under-16s as this is a one off game/games against the Republic and therefore is allowed.”
Mabli began playing football with Holyhead Hotspur Peibio at the age of five.
For many years, two of her main coaches were Liam Jones and Jay Gibbs, a former Wales U19 and Tranmere Rovers scholar, who has been an outstanding player for the likes of Caernarfon Town, Porthmadog, Holyhead Hotspur and Trearddur Bay in recent years.
On hearing news of Mabli’s Wales selection, Jay said: “It’s an absolutely amazing achievement at such a young age, but also not a surprise as I’ve seen her development over the years and her work ethic to become a better player is second to none. She has all the ability in the world and this is only the beginning for Mabli.”