Our Girls Academy squads began their new seasons this month.
After a productive September, we take a look at how the Bluebirds have fared as well as their notable stories…
NEW U15 SIDE
One of the highlights of the summer was the introduction of the new U15s side. The three age groups work in tandem to create a stronger development pathway for players to progress through the Club.
Their head coach, Keith Williams, leads the U15s squad, bridging the age gap and providing a platform for young Welsh talent to develop.
"It's building the future of the Club,” he began. “We want to promote these youngsters that we're developing and make them into better players, better people, to make that pathway smoother for them to learn the Cardiff City way.”
U19 head coach Tom Stiley added: "So far this season, we've had 12 players being involved in the Senior Team in some form. This pushes the U19s to be better players because they've also got new girls coming in from the U15s trying to raise their game. The standard overall is going up, and it's nice to see the harmony and cohesion between the teams. We aim to work internally than looking externally."
Commenting on the addition of the U15s side, new U13 head coach Chris Aturo said: "I don't think that the Club has had a better pathway than what we have now. We have the continuity between the 13s and the 15s into the 19s and then our Senior Team, which is so exciting."
ADRAN PREMIER FOOTPRINT
This month, Stiley's U19s earned six points from their opening two matches with their fixtures against Swansea City and Penybont.
The side recorded an impressive 5-2 victory over the Swans before netting another five goals in a 5-2 win over Bont.
“The first two games showed two different sides to how we can play,” Tom said. “The aim is to keep it going and maintaining our high spirits and I have no doubt that the girls will go and execute that over the next month.”
Another positive for our U19s is the amount of former Bluebirds that our Senior Team are facing, showing the production of players at the Club within the Adran Premier.
Tom added: "We’re giving the players the foundations to become better footballers, and hopefully the top end will progress through the ranks into our Senior Team within the Club.
“But we also need to think about the girls that are on that journey with us that might not make it to that level and we’d love them to progress into highest possible level of football they can play at. That not only shows that we've invested into their progression but also increases and improves the standard of football in Wales.”
U15s UNBEATEN
Following a productive pre-season, Williams’ new U15s squad remain unbeaten following two wins and one draw against reigning champions Briton Ferry Llansawel.
"The group have welcomed seven new players into the squad from the successful U13 squad that we had last year,” Keith said. “The challenge of stepping up into the new age category has been a welcomed by the girls, going from nine-a-side to 11-a-side football whilst also playing up an age group.
“We controlled large parts of the game against Briton Ferry, which shows the maturity of the girls and how far they’ve come along in a short period of time to play up an age group and still compete against one of the strongest teams in the league."
FAITH IMPRESSES FOR U13s
Aturro's U13s team celebrated a resounding 14-0 win against Aberystwyth Town this month and have recorded three consecutive wins.
Five of the 21 goals scored this September were by Faith, who has netted across all three games this season and continues to be an instrumental player in the squad.
In training, the team have also had visits from Senior Team duo Hannah Power and Kerry Walklett, who have supported the development of the players with their time.
“We have a one club philosophy and that’s not just within the coaching staff,” Chris said. “Having the Club captain and a senior player like Kerry come in and be with the girls, it adds an extra element to the session and means so much to us.
“The rewards that we get out of it are immeasurable and it really supports the journey of the next generation.”