Female football revival flourishing at Llandudno Junction

They were once one of North Wales’ leading women’s football names who spent two seasons competing in the Welsh Premier League.

However, in the 2014-15 campaign, the moniker Llandudno Junction disappeared from the senior ladies football roster and Llandudno took over.

Now, 11 years on, the revival of the Railway Femmes is well and truly underway through the talents of youth.

Llandudno Junction FC is celebrating a surge in girls’ football participation across the region, with vice-chairman Connor McNamara praising the rapid growth and commitment shown by young players.

“I recently attended a U9s fixture held at Llandrillo College on the 3G pitch and I was blown away by the number of girls’ teams training and competing,” said Connor.

“It’s truly incredible to see just as many girls’ teams in the local area as there are boys’ teams.

“Not only are Llandudno Junction making fantastic progress in growing the girls’ game, but our neighbouring clubs are too.”

This season, Llandudno Junction FC has seen significant development in its female pathway. The club launched its U13 girls’ team, the Tigers, who have already made a strong impression both on and off the pitch.

Connor added: “They’ve been a fantastic addition to the club, and we are incredibly proud of their development in such a short space of time.”

To build on that momentum, the club also introduced weekly community sessions for U10 and U11 girls.

The sessions have proven extremely popular, averaging 14 participants each week, with the club confident that these groups will form a full team ready to enter league football in the 2026/27 season.

But it’s not just the numbers that are turning heads — it’s the level of talent.

“The girls’ game isn’t just growing, the standard of football being played is extremely impressive,” said Connor. “Girls from all backgrounds are becoming passionate about the sport and embracing football fully. It’s fantastic to see them enjoying themselves, improving their fitness, forming new friendships, and stepping outside of their comfort zone.

“Llandudno Junction FC remains committed to providing inclusive and accessible football opportunities for girls of all ages and abilities. While we don’t yet have teams or sessions in every age group, we are continuing to grow and invest in our female pathway each season. The future is bright, and we are excited to support the next generation of female footballers as they grow in confidence, ability, and ambition.”

LLANDUDNO JUNCTION WOMEN’S TEAM – THE HISTORY

After initially competing in the North Wales League, Llandudno Junction Ladies were promoted to the Welsh Premier Women’s League in 2010-11, but were relegated in their first season as a result of finishing bottom of the Northern Conference.

When the WPWL went fully national in 2012-13, Junction rejoined and finished ninth out of 12 in the table.

For a short time, they held the Welsh women’s football record for biggest victory when they beat Caerphilly Castle Ladies 26-0.

Goals were shared between: Sarah Lawson (7), Sofie Owen,(6), Simone Drummond (4), Gail Naylor (2) Stacey Tradewell (2), Steph Short (2), Jenn Davies and Katie Lewtas one each, plus an own goal.

The record did not last as Caerphilly suffered heavier losses to other teams and eventually resigned from the league. All their results were struck off, including that 26-0 deluge from Junction.

The following season, Junction finished ninth again, but in 2014-15, the team was renamed Llandudno Ladies and moved to the 3G facility at Maesdu Park.