Wrexham Women, Welsh champions, history makers. Now Europe awaits | OneFootball

Wrexham Women seized the Adran Premier crown with a 4-1 comeback against three-time champions Cardiff City at the Racecourse Ground, securing the club’s first league title and a Champions League qualifying berth. A crowd of 2,800 savoured the moment.

As reported by NY Times, Katie Barker struck a hat-trick and Faye Knox produced a solo stunner to seal the win. Moments after full time, director of women’s football operations Gemma Owen reflected on a five-year plan born from the team’s 2018 relaunch after folding in 2016.

The men’s ascent from the National League to the Championship has underpinned investment, yet Owen stresses success has hinged on people, approach and mindset. Back in the top flight in 2023, Wrexham offered 10 semi-professional deals, then finished third and fourth while losing two Welsh Cup finals before this surge.

Manager Jenny Sugarman arrived in June, succeeding Steve Dale, and director of football Mark Swales was appointed in October to lead a more professional era and broaden the academy. Wrexham are the only Adran Premier club with players on full-time deals, two.

Recruitment has been sharp. Barker joined from WSL2 side Newcastle United, Knox came from Bolton Wanderers after spells with Manchester City, Liverpool and WSL2 club Blackburn Rovers, and captain Jodie Bartle brings Champions League know-how from Celtic. Wrexham also paid a fee to sign Wales youth international Maria Francis Jones from The New Saints, a league first.

At the season’s outset the club bought The Rock, a 3,000-capacity home with dedicated gym, rehabilitation and medical facilities, and the base for the women and girls’ academy. It will stage north Wales’ first league trophy lift on Easter Sunday.

Wrexham also claimed the Adran Trophy on penalties against Cardiff City this season. Champions League qualifying starts in June, and no Welsh side has advanced beyond the first round, nor scored since Swansea’s 4-1 loss to CSKA Moscow in 2021. The challenge is clear, the belief undimmed.

Source: NY Times