Cardiff City Women will learn their opponents for their UEFA Champions League Qualifying campaign on Tuesday, 24th June.
The Bluebirds earned a spot in European competition after winning the Adran Premier for a third consecutive season and a fourth time in the Club’s history.
Iain Darbyshire’s side secured the title with a 3-1 win over The New Saints, before lifting the title at Cardiff City Stadium after a 3-2 victory over Briton Ferry Llansawel.
COMPETITION FORMAT
City enter the competition in the First Qualifying Round as an unseeded side due to Wales' coefficient.
The first round qualifiers involve nations who are ranked 29th or below in the coefficient.
In a mini-tournament hosted by one country in the group, a Semi-Final, a Third-Place Play-Off and a Final will take place. Victory in the latter would lead to a place in a mini-tournament in the Second Qualifying Round.
The Semi-Final will take place on July 30th, with a Final or Third-Place Play-Off to follow on August 2nd.
There has also been the introduction of a UEFA Women's Europa Cup ahead of this season, where winning the group in the UEFA Women's Champions League First Qualifying Round contributes to qualification.
LAST TIME OUT
In 2024, City competed in the UEFA Women's Champions League for the third time in Club history.
Darbyshire's side produced a valiant performance against a talented FC Twente side, before a narrow defeat against ŽFK Ljuboten.
Last year's competition provided further learning experience of the level in Europe, with City preparing for a fourth campaign.
THOUGHTS PRIOR TO THE DRAW
Ahead of the draw, head coach Darbyshire commented: "We're all excited to discover our opponents for this year's campaign. As a squad, we have a strong core and we feel well equipped to see progress this year. Our previous two seasons in the competition have been a great experience and a learning curve that we want to build on. In pre-season, we'll be working hard and we'll all be focused on preparing to compete."
Captain Hannah Power added: "We’re really looking forward to the draw and seeing who we’ll face in the Champions League. It’s always an exciting part of the season, and we’re proud to be back in the competition again. The whole squad is feeling confident and ready for what’s to come."