At 19 years of age, Megan Bowen already has two UEFA Women’s Champions League campaigns under her belt.
Having joined the Bluebirds in August 2022 from fellow Adran Premier side Barry Town United, her first season at the Club was a title-winning campaign, earning her European experience against FC Gintra and Shelbourne.
Fast forward a year and the domestic title was achieved again, with City going on to take on FC Twente and ŽFK Ljuboten.
The defender is now set for a third campaign in European competition, with Iain Darbyshire’s side learning their first qualifying round opponents on Tuesday, June 24th.
“The Champions League is one of the highlights of the season,” Megan began. “It’s always something that everyone looks forward to, playing against some of the best teams in Europe and having a chance of qualifying.
“We’re excited for it as a squad and I’m sure that when we come back to training, everyone is going to be raring to go.”
Last year’s campaign provided learning experience for the squad, who gelled and improved on their way to securing a third consecutive league title.
Megan continued: “We all know how hard the Champions League is going to be. It’s the best teams in Europe that you’re coming up against.
“We want to challenge ourselves against those sides and we did so last year against FC Twente. We put in a performance that we can be proud of despite the result and we had to dig deep in that game.
“Against ŽFK Ljuboten, there are still frustrations because we know that we are capable of winning that game. We want to put those wrongs right this year and put ourselves in a better position to qualify.
“Playing teams like FC Twente, we can learn so much. The best way to develop is to challenge yourself against the best players, which is why the Champions League is so important to us.”
With City entering the competition at the first qualifying stage, which consists of a mini-tournament, the Semi-Final will take place on July 30th, with a Final or Third-Place Play-Off to follow on August 2nd.
“I feel very lucky to play as many games as I have in the Champions League at 19 years old,” Megan added. “Something I pride myself on is playing against those teams and improving myself.
“Looking back, I’m proud of the performances I’ve put in and I make sure to reflect on those games and have lessons to take into the season.
“The last few campaign have seen us learn about ourselves, the competition and the format. This year, we’ll be even better prepared.
“I just know that when the girls come back together in pre-season, we’re going to be raring to go and competing for the starting spots in the team.
“I can’t wait to get back. It’ll be nice to see everyone again and put our focus straight on our preparation for what’s to come.”