A New Pathway for Women’s Football in Wales
Soraya Kelly, a campaigner for women’s football in Wales, is pushing for the creation of an under‑21 or under‑23 women’s national side, arguing that the current transition from the under‑19 level to senior football leaves many promising players without a clear route.
The existing under‑19 squad, under the guidance of coach Nia Davies, has recently demonstrated its potential by winning three of its last four fixtures, including a notable victory over England, underscoring the depth of talent already present.
Former Cardiff City defender Shanelle Edwards has spoken about walking away from the game without ever earning a senior cap, a story that illustrates how the lack of an intermediate elite pathway can cut short promising careers.
Helen Ward, one of Wales’ most celebrated strikers, adds that the surge in participation among girls and women across the country heightens the urgency of expanding the talent pipeline.
While the Welsh Government already backs grassroots initiatives through bodies such as Sport Wales, officials acknowledge that additional funding may be required to develop a dedicated elite pathway, with the ‘Partner Support Fund’ serving as a model for targeted investment.
Kelly’s campaign enjoys the backing of organizations including Race Council Cymru, the Black Police Association and Her Game Too, and is set to launch in August, with a planned meeting with UEFA vice‑president and former Wales captain Laura McAllister to discuss the proposal.