Chance to shine in America for top Wales prospect Ania Denham!

Wales international forward Ania Denham is relishing the opportunity to progress her football career in the United States.

The 19-year-old, originally from Caernarfon but now hailing from Llaniestyn, near Botwnnog, has joined the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders for the 2026 Conference USA (CUSA) League campaign.

She is currently studying leisure and sport management at Middle Tennessee State University.

Ania’s football journey began for a boys grassroots team in the Caernarfon area before joining Manchester City Girls Academy, Caernarfon Town Academy and North Wales Girls Academy 

In October 2023, Ania signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers, spending two seasons with the then FAWNL Northern Premier Division club, but now of WSL 2.

She spent last season on loan at Sporting Khalsa of Tier 3, a club she had represented previously.

Ania has played for Wales at Under-16, U17 and U19 levels, winning 34 caps in total and scoring 10 goals.

In 2024, she was called up to train with the full Wales women’s squad and now hopes to boost her chance of a recall to that level by making a success of her stint with MTSU.

Grassroots North Wales asked Ania the following questions….

How long have you been in America? Why are you there and who have you played for so far?

Been here since the end of July.  I’m here playing soccer for MTSU alongside education.

Which teams did you play for in Wales?

I started for a boys grassroots team, then Man City girls academy, Caernarfon Town academy, North Wales girls academy, before joining Wolves Women.

How did the move to Sporting Khalsa come about? Was it an enjoyable experience?

I joined Sporting Khalsa on loan from Wolves. I enjoyed it because it was good exposure to tier 3 football and I got good minutes.

What standard is Conference USA football – compared to England/Wales?

Standards are similar but I would say here the games are constantly high energy as there’s roll on roll off subs. Technical and tactical side of the game are similar in comparison to out team but some of the teams we’ve played against here have been very direct.

What was involvement with the full Cymru squad like in 2024?

It was really good being involved as a training player with Wales first team as I got the opportunity to see what it’s like to play at that level and what I need to do to stay there.

Ambitions with MTSU?

Win the Conference!

Do you believe there is a bright future for the Wales women’s team and do you have high hopes of being a part of it?

I think if we keep investing and developing the women’s team from top to bottom then for sure it will go far because the talent is there. I definitely hope to be a part of it in the future and I believe the experiences I’m having now will build towards that.