Wales women's football: Campaigns warn 'unsustainable' gap without under-21, 23-year-old teams is losing talent
The gap between junior and senior teams in Wales women's football is 'unacceptable', campaigners have accused. A request to the Welsh Government to provide financial and policy support to the FAW to develop Under-21 and Under-23 national teams. England and Scotland lead the way with under-23 teams, while Wales-Northern Ireland are the only ones without a UK base.
The lack of a 'solid pathway' in Wales women's football from the juniors to the senior international stage has resulted in many talented players leaving the organisation, campaigners have warned. The 'Sustainable Pathway' call for women's under-21 and under-23 national teams (or both) to be formed, led by Soraya Kelly, mother of Wales international goalkeeper Sophia Kelly.
England and Scotland field Under-23 teams. But Soraya Kelly points out that the lack of that 'bridge' in the Wales system means that many people who don't make the senior team after under-19 level fall off the development path. "The men's circuit has this path; it exists in many European countries; why not in Wales?" That is their question.
Under the 'Equality for Our Women and Girls' campaign, a petition submitted to the Welsh Government called for the FAW to fund the development of Under-21 and Under-23 Women's National Teams, regional talent identification programs and outdoor camps, and equality media initiatives. The Seneth Petition Committee commended FAW's efforts to promote women's/girls' football and forwarded the petition's demands to the concerned parties. FAW has been contacted for comment.
Due to the lack of official 21/23-year-old competitions run by UEFA, the demand for national teams at such age groups has so far been considered low. However, a private 'European Under-23 League' started in July 2024. England won its 2026 edition; Scotland also played in the group stage. Meanwhile, Wales and Northern Ireland are the only countries without a recognized under-23 women's team in the UK.
There are a few who have gone straight from the Wales under-19s to the senior team — Manchester United winger Maret Griffiths and Aston Villa goalkeeper Kelly are examples. However, Soraya Kelly asserts, "The 23-year-old team is the bridge to the senior team, otherwise the chances after 19 are reduced." Meanwhile, Kelly hails Nia Davies' Wales Under-19s as having won three of their last four matches, including a win against England. Also fueling the excitement is Wales hosting the Men's Under 19 European Championships this summer; However, he says that this demand is for long-term construction.
Former Wales junior international Shanelle Edwards, who was a top talent at the age of 17/19; Called up to train with the senior team, he later left the game without the desired cap. He says, "Immediate competition from 18–19 years to 25-year-old seniors — big jump physically, mentally. Without a middle bridge, other countries cannot compete."
Rower Helen Ward, who holds the record for hosting the Wales senior team, is currently in charge of Watford Women's Football. "Participation in women's football has increased dramatically now; the talent pool has also expanded. It's not possible for everyone to jump straight from 17/19 to the senior team. Some are 'late developers' — they need a 21/23-year bridge," she assesses.
Soraya Kelly Accepts Financial Impediment The FAW's revenues come mostly from commercial, FIFA/UEFA funds; The men's team's failure to qualify for the big series this time around didn't make matters any easier. The Welsh Government is supporting programs to increase participation and promote equity through the 'Partner Support Fund' in education development. "We are committed to equal opportunities for women/girls and ongoing discussions with the FAW to strengthen pathways," the Welsh Government said. Participatory – elite development funding is provided to national bodies through Sport Wales.
These days 'Race Council Kimru', 'Black Police Association', 'Her Game Two', 'Vale of Glamorgan' M.P. Kanishka Narayan has supported this campaign. Soraya Kelly is also due to meet UEFA Vice-President and former Wales captain Laura McAllister. "The FAW have limited resources, so the Welsh Government needs to step up and create an equal pathway for women as it is for men. Otherwise, how is it possible to compete against teams like England?" As he insists.
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