Football

Huge happy 19th birthday to fabulous Flint flyer Rosie Hughes!

Rosie Hughes (all dark green) in action against Rhyl with her skipper and midfield partner Ruby McGilloway looking on. Picture: RICHARD BATES PHOTOGRAPHY – many thanks

Flint Town United’s midfield magician Rosie Hughes celebrates her 19th birthday today.

Born on September 16, 2005, Rosie showed special footballing talent from a very young age, earning herself opportunities with the Wrexham AFC Development Centre, Flintshire Schools and North Wales Regionals.

However, she has really shot into the spotlight through her performances for Flint Town United, who she joined when they first formed a senior side in 2022-23, competing in the North Wales Women’s League.

Rosie in action in Flint’s home kit. And again captain Ruby McGilloway is close by – true team-work. Picture: GEOFF QUINN PHOTOGRAPHY

In her first season, which saw a raw Flint find the going tough at times, Rosie scored 11 goals in 21 matches, 10 in the league.

She was outstanding last season as a vastly improved Flint won the North Wales Women’s League East title with a record of 12 wins in 12 games, the 19-year-old scoring 12 league goals and six more in knockout/play-off matches.

In 42 first team matches for the Silkwomen, she has notched 29 goals – not bad for a midfielder.

Perhaps the best photo of Rosie out there

On top of her goal scoring ability, Rosie is also renowned for her pace, skill and a penchant for taking on and beating several defenders with her electric runs.

She showed some of her star potential in last season’s North Wales League play-off final against Pwllheli at Llandudno.

Although Flint lost 3-2, Rosie scored an equaliser to force extra time and so nearly notched one of the goals of the season when she broke from halfway down the left and into the box, leaving a trail of opponents in her wake only for her final shot to be saved.

The Silkwomen have moved up to tier 2 this season in just their third campaign as a team.

Flint have made a fine start, winning both their Genero Adran Trophy group games as well as getting a 0-0 draw in their debut Adran North league fixture at CPDM Bangor.

Rosie has impressed in all her appearances so far, playing alongside captain Ruby McGilloway in an attacking midfield.

Before signing for Flint, Rosie played for NFA Under-16s in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

The three Hughes sisters who dazzle for Flint. From left: Daisy, Rosie and Chloe

Football certainly is a major influence in the Hughes family, with Rosie’s dad Stephen being part of the Flint Town United ladies management team, mum Debbie engaged in an administration role and sisters Chloe and Daisy also regular players for the Silkwomen.

Rosie Hughes is a talent a lot of people in North Wales football are talking about. She looks destined to go far in the game.

Happy birthday Rosie!