Wrexham's Lili Jones Excited for Historic European Challenge

Midfielder Lili Jones is gearing up for a significant milestone as Wrexham's women's team prepares to compete in the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time. The Welsh champions are set to take on FC Pyunik from Armenia on July 22.

While Wrexham's men's team has participated in several European tournaments in the past, their last appearance was in 1995, leaving them unable to represent Wales on the international stage for decades. "For the lads, it was 31 years since they played in Europe," Jones remarked to BBC Sport Wales. "So for us to be able to do that as a women's side is massive and we're really looking forward to it." She emphasized the honor of playing for Wrexham and representing Wales at such a high level.

Should Wrexham succeed against FC Pyunik, they will face either Northern Ireland's Glentoran or Latvia's Riga FC in the mini-tournament's final. The semi-finals are scheduled for July 22, with the final on July 25, although the host location has yet to be announced.

Wrexham earned their spot in Europe after clinching the Genero Adran Premier title last season, marking the first time in the club's history. Jones noted, "We've worked hard over the off-season and we're back in full swing for pre-season now. The girls, we're looking fit. Everyone's fit."

Additionally, Wales international Maria Francis-Jones, who joined Wrexham from rival club The New Saints in February, will also be making her European debut. "We're not there to just fill up the numbers - we are there to compete," said the defender. "We want to win and will go in with the mindset of 'we are going to win' as well."