Campaigners Demand Action to Support Young Women Footballers in Wales

Advocates are expressing concern that young women footballers in Wales may be lost to the sport unless the country addresses the significant divide between youth and senior international teams. Soraya Kelly, mother of Wales national goalkeeper Soffia Kelly, has called for the establishment of under-21 and under-23 squads to create a more sustainable pathway for emerging players.

While both England and Scotland have under-23 teams, Welsh youth players often find themselves at a standstill, leading some to abandon their football aspirations altogether. "There's no pathway [in Wales] but Scotland and England have. The boys have got it. European countries have got it. Why have we not got it?" Soraya Kelly questioned. She emphasized the need for equal opportunities for girls, stating, "With everything that's going on with women's football, this should be a given."

The campaign titled "Equality For Our Women And Girls" follows a petition that Soraya Kelly submitted to the previous Welsh Government, urging funding to support the Football Association of Wales (FAW) in creating national teams for under-21 and under-23 players, enhancing regional talent scouting, and ensuring equal media promotion for women's football. The petitions committee of the Senedd recognized the valuable work of the FAW in promoting women's sports and agreed to forward the petition's requests.

Historically, there has been little need for such age-grade teams due to a lack of official competitions organized by UEFA, which currently has no plans to implement these tournaments. However, a new independent under-23 European League launched in July 2024, with England winning the inaugural edition and Scotland participating, while Wales and Northern Ireland remain without recognized teams.

Despite the lack of under-23 teams, some Welsh players have successfully transitioned directly from the under-19 squad to the senior team. Soraya Kelly remarked, "It [under-23s] is a bridge to the seniors. So [without it] you go to the 19's and if you're not involved in the seniors, you haven't got much of a chance then of going anywhere." While she acknowledges the FAW's positive work at the under-19 level, she stresses the importance of developing a robust pathway for all talented players.

Former Welsh international Shanelle Edwards, who represented Wales at the under-17 and under-19 levels, voiced her support for the initiative, stating, "The gap between being an 18 or 19-year-old footballer to competing with senior level players - who could be 25 upwards - is a big jump both physically and mentally." She believes that a structured pathway would enhance opportunities for future players.

Helen Ward, a celebrated striker with 105 caps for Wales, also supports the need for increased development pathways, noting the growing participation in women’s football. "Now more than ever, there is starting to become a real need for it and we don't want to see the drop off," she said, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent as the sport continues to evolve in Wales.