Wales are fighting to hold on to some of their most promising female footballers amid an "increasingly aggressive" battle for international talent. The nation has already lost Layla Drury, the Wrexham-born Manchester United forward who became the Red Devils' youngest ever female goalscorer in January. The 17-year-old switched allegiances to England after previously representing Wales at under-17 level.
FAW chief football officer David Adams told BBC Sport Wales that the market for capturing and retaining talent has become increasingly aggressive, and the association must protect its assets to secure the future success of the women's national teams. Since 2020, the FAW has focused development efforts on players aged 11 to 16 across north and south Wales, with 31 players in weekly training and a further 50 in Adran Premier academies.
The challenge is compounded by the lack of top-class women's clubs in Wales, pushing talented teenagers toward English academies and England's international pathway. Former Wales captain Kath Morgan, who won 51 caps over a 14-year career, says young players are driven by the chance to succeed professionally. Wales will face Norway in a two-legged play-off final in December as they attempt to reach the Women's World Cup for the first time.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing