Wrexham women v swansea

[3pmsaturday]

I agree with being honest about performances but let's not forget context.

The Woman's team has made incredible progress in the last five years or so. Going from being effectively a grass roots team to semi pro in a national league, the journey is, I'm guessing, fairly unprecedented.

Now I'm sure the players and management go into every game looking for a win and two games against the swans only separated by 1 goal on aggregate is quite the achievement. The goal this season has to be consolidation. Looks like we have done that and some. Bar swansea and Cardiff we are in the running to be the best of the rest which is great for now, but know the clubs ambition is to be the best and ultimately to challenge for Champions League qualification. If the trajectory continues that looks likely, albeit the challenge does become stiffer.

Perhaps the squad will change, perhaps not, but given the staffs ambitions and dedication I'd not bet against that sort of success over the coming seasons.

[3pmsaturday]

Originally Posted by podders

Its going to take time to compete and challenge for the title in the Adran Premier, but if they got top 4 in there first season back in the Welsh top flight is a huge achievement for a team that only reformed in 2018.

I don't think the answer is signing a bunch of half decent scousers. Focus on developing the young North Walian talent, taking the best players that emerge from other North Wales teams and encourage talented players back into the Welsh system.

The whole Adran Premier, North, South and u19s system is in its third season. It will grow and get stronger and soon be a better more attractive option for welsh players that tier3/ in the English pyramid.

The FAW has recently started funding a system for elite woman's football in Wales. There are 50 ish 'huddle' centres, where young girls can turn up and play,, emphasis on fun and learning some footy skills. There is one operated by the club at Colliers (used to be a Thursday night) open to all. Then there are 8 I think development centres in Wales, one operated and funded again by the club. There's also one up on the coast and others spread across the entire country. You have to trial and be selected. From these development centres the most promising players are put forward to trial for the 2 FAW academies. One in the North based at colliers and one in the South, again chosen by trial. These centres offer training twice a week (5 hours in total) and from U14 a weekly day release from school to learn and train. From U14 they take part in the FAW academy boys league playing TNS, Airbus etc. The pathway from there is the national team which starts at U15.

It's a great system and it works. My daughter started at Huddle sessions now plays for FAW Academy North and Wxm AFC. She's 11 so has much to look forward to in terms of high quality training and experiences.

Point being there is a system that is only a few years old so over time will yield players.

[t1954]

I think for the fan looking on a critical appraisal is what it is all about. When things go well in a game fans say so or you get little feedback, if they go not so well fans look and say where they think things have gone wrong. Yesterday, was a learning curve I think for our ladies the same as the previous match against Swansea, I only saw the highlights of the Cardiff one so I cannot comment. The difference yesterday was clear, they were stronger, more physical and controlled the ball that bit better. This will come with our team, they will have learnt a lot from games like yesterday. I thought there were a few outstanding performances considering and plenty to build on. I am not very good on the names but the keeper, the central defenders and backs played well to keep them out. Lightfoot is good but yesterday was a difficult day. We just need that bit more strength experience in midfield and another attacker. It looks good.

[the_holt_dragon]

Originally Posted by t1954

I think for the fan looking on a critical appraisal is what it is all about. When things go well in a game fans say so or you get little feedback, if they go not so well fans look and say where they think things have gone wrong. Yesterday, was a learning curve I think for our ladies the same as the previous match against Swansea, I only saw the highlights of the Cardiff one so I cannot comment. The difference yesterday was clear, they were stronger, more physical and controlled the ball that bit better. This will come with our team, they will have learnt a lot from games like yesterday. I thought there were a few outstanding performances considering and plenty to build on. I am not very good on the names but the keeper, the central defenders and backs played well to keep them out. Lightfoot is good but yesterday was a difficult day. We just need that bit more strength experience in midfield and another attacker. It looks good.

I’m not much of an expert and have only started paying close attention this season due to streaming. Hannah Keryakoplis got injured in the first game and from reading her background she has experience and profile we are probably missing.

[Wrexham Can]

Originally Posted by 3pmsaturday

The FAW has recently started funding a system for elite woman's football in Wales. There are 50 ish 'huddle' centres, where young girls can turn up and play,, emphasis on fun and learning some footy skills. There is one operated by the club at Colliers (used to be a Thursday night) open to all. Then there are 8 I think development centres in Wales, one operated and funded again by the club. There's also one up on the coast and others spread across the entire country. You have to trial and be selected. From these development centres the most promising players are put forward to trial for the 2 FAW academies. One in the North based at colliers and one in the South, again chosen by trial. These centres offer training twice a week (5 hours in total) and from U14 a weekly day release from school to learn and train. From U14 they take part in the FAW academy boys league playing TNS, Airbus etc. The pathway from there is the national team which starts at U15.

It's a great system and it works. My daughter started at Huddle sessions now plays for FAW Academy North and Wxm AFC. She's 11 so has much to look forward to in terms of high quality training and experiences.

Point being there is a system that is only a few years old so over time will yield players.

Thanks for that update, it's great to have some insight into what's going on.
It's not a slam dunk that Wales women will start winning trophies because I'm sure that many countries will be making this kind of investment, but it is all very positive for the future for Wales and the women's game in general.
And for us fans who will get to watch engrossing games!

[jonesfach]

Finish 3rd this season is the target let’s be honest.

They have about 5 or 6 players that can push on so 3 or 4 changes next season they can certainly aim for top 2. I do think that style of play needs addressing now though so that they stand a chance against the big 2. Just lumping it for RH isn’t going to work against the better 2 teams.

[Reepekg]

Originally Posted by the_holt_dragon

I imagine that’s easier said than done. I suspect they don’t have a significant scouting operation and unless they start poaching from Cardiff and Swansea I doubt there is a huge pool of players in the league that would significantly improve the team. I also imagine the trips to south wales every 2 weeks would put off some.

Yeah, playing for a global brand in front of 3k at the Swansea.com stadium, what a hassle.

I think the girls have been overperforming. Looking at that Swansea team, there's no way Wrexham should have a draw and a 1-2 without RH. Long may that continue, but most of the comments on here about bypassing the midfield and having plenty of room for improvement I'd agree with.

[Bryn Tirion]

Originally Posted by Reepekg

Yeah, playing for a global brand in front of 3k at the Swansea.com stadium, what a hassle.

I think the girls have been overperforming. Looking at that Swansea team, there's no way Wrexham should have a draw and a 1-2 without RH. Long may that continue, but most of the comments on here about bypassing the midfield and having plenty of room for improvement I'd agree with.

My daughter thinks it’s hilarious that you’ve got her picture as your avatar 😀

[the_holt_dragon]

I checked and seems like no match on this weekend. Next weekend is down as 2pm on Sunday, seems a pity they couldn’t move earlier as this will likely impact on both attendance and streams with the overlap of the men’s match.