Wondergirl Mabli scores first goals for Cymru Under-16s

Wondergirl Mabli Blackshaw scored her first international goals for the Wales Under-16 team this weekend – at the age of 14.

The Ynys Môn youngster, who represents Caernarfon Town Academy, netted twice for Cymru in a 3-1 victory over Albania at the Women’s Under-16 Development Tournament in Tirana.

Also in the Wales side were under-17 star Cadi Griffiths of Trawsfynydd, sister of full senior international striker Mared, and ex-Glan Conwy talent Ella Jones.

Mabli won her fifth U16 cap in Albania. She was first picked for the U16 squad at the age of just 12!

The tournament comprises four teams – Albania, Cymru, Italy and Norway (Thursday’s opponents).  

Saturday’s tie saw Mabli open the scoring on two minutes, pouncing on a spill by goalkeeper Amra Reshiti to make it 1-0.

Cymru added a second when Ava Rees (FAW South Regional Academy) curled in an excellent free kick on seven minutes.

Mabli soon made it three with a carbon copy of her first goal.

Albania pressed in the second half and reduced the deficit in 71st minute through Kejsi Repaj before winning a penalty on 74 which was brilliantly saved by the keeper.

Cymru held on to deserve the win and have a really talented group under the management of Rachel Lever at this age group.

Mabli’s father Gareth was delighted with his daughter’s latest achievement.

He said: “Mabli played the full 90 minutes and had a decent game although the heat was tiring and also taking into account she was playing 2 years up age wise.

“Her mentality is mindblowing for someone so young. She lost her Nain 2 weeks before which hit us all hard, but she really wanted to go on this camp and perform for her memory, attending her funeral just before departing for International duty.”

Mabli was also named on standby for the recent Cymru U17 camp. She is also hoping for an U15 cap before the end of the year.

Gareth added: “Warren Holmes (regional & U15 national head coach) and the FAW have been really supportive in her pathway and she still gladly recieves guidance from her previous coaches at Holyhead Hotspur, Liam Jones and Jay Gibbs..

“She is still plying her trade with Caernarfon Town Academy boys U14 in the FAW Academi League North and ( to my knowledge ) is the only girl doing so at this age group/level in North Wales.

“She has had a pretty consistent season, attracting the attention of top WSL clubs, although the current rules of distance/travel is still blocking anything until she is 16 unfortunately. All she can do is continue to work hard and develop as much as she can in the next 18 months in the hope she is lucky enough to be given an opportunity at that level in the future.”

The versatile and very pacy Mabli can play left wing, right wing or central midfield, as well as obviously striker.

Grassroots North Wales first featured the young dynamo in 2023 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 2024 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 is now in her third season with the Caernarfon Academy.

• On Monday, April 13, Mabli earned her sixth U16 cap when she came on as a substitute in Wales’ 4-1 loss to Italy in the Albania international tournament.