For the first time since its introduction, the Genero Adran U19’s League will split into a Premier and Championship Conference, as Phase Two begins this week. It will see the North and South teams combine into a national league, with no playoff to be played at the end of the season.
The move to this structure from the FAW allows an increased number of games for those teams in the North, with the number of teams in recent seasons limited. It also allows U19 sides from the South to challenge themselves against their North counterparts.
All North teams have been placed in the top group, with the Premier Conference, and games between North and South will take place on weekends. Games between sides from the same region will continue on Fridays as usual.
The winner of the Premier Conference will be crowned the Adran U19 National champion. Here’s a look into those teams that will be battling out for the title, as well as a summary of how the Championship Conference will shape up.
Pontypridd United
Phase One South leaders Pontypridd United go into Phase Two as the only side to have not lost a single game, with 10 wins from 11 games, drawing once.
The Dragons have never won the U19s league, but after finishing the first half of the season five points clear at the top of the South, above last season’s champions Cardiff City, they’ve made a statement of intent.
Into his second full season of coaching the U19s side, Drew Lewis has made Ponty one of the most organised sides in the league with some top talent coming through at USW Sports Park.
Key to their success has been their defensive record. Just six goals conceded all season, with defenders Chloe Simmonds and Megan Rutter being regular features to a solid backline. It’s why Ponty have been so hard to beat this season, even when they’re not at their best.
Despite losing Catrin Edwards and Aimee Cake during the season, United have continued to create and score goals. Gwenllian Crane has been central to that, with the striker contributing to 19 of Ponty’s goals already, leading the scoring charts with 14 this season.
Ruby Stacey and Robyn Lloyd have also continued their form from last season, with the latter currently on 5 goals and 5 assists. Lloyd was vital to Ponty’s statement win over Cardiff City earlier on this season, in a 6-0 victory over The Bluebirds.
With lots of change in the playing squad during the summer for the Ponty first team, it’s meant many players in the U19s having opportunities in the first team environment, not only showing the pathway, but it’s also been beneficial for their form in the U19s league.
Evie Brown was the latest highlight of that, with the attacking player making her full debut and scoring in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup in December.
In perhaps the game of matchday one, Pontypridd United will travel to current U19s National Champions, Cardiff City.
Cardiff City
V Cardiff City Women FC U19 at Latham Park, Newtown, Wales. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
Defending champions Cardiff City will be looking to win the U19s national title for a fourth time, with the Bluebirds beating Wrexham on penalties at Latham Park last season.
However, led by Tom Stiley, City haven’t had it all their own way in Phase One. They finished 2nd in the South league, five points behind Pontypridd United.
Summer signing Eliza Keane, from Pontypridd, has continued her incredible goalscoring record this season. 42 goals in all competitions for The Dragons U16s last campaign, the striker already has 13 to her name in the U19s league this season, ranking 2nd in the top scorers list.
The form of several other players has also seen many step ups to the Adran Premier at Cardiff City. Emilia Ashun, Somoraa Fletcher, Paige Parsons, Lily Nicholls, Elexis Lowe, Lucy Malin and Holly Jones have all seen first team minutes this season, having originally started with the U19s this season.
The creativity of Malin and mid-season signing Aimee Cake has also been key to the Bluebirds. Having only played 7 of City’s games in the U19s, pacey winger Lucy Malin has 11 goal contributions already and is incredibly difficult to stop when confidence is high. Originally starting at Pontypridd this season, midfielder Aimee Cake has 7 assists in the U19s league this season, and can be dangerous from set pieces.
They begin Phase Two against Phase One leaders Pontypridd United, who were the only side they failed to pick up points against. They also finish the season with a trip to USW, with both games being key in the title race.
Wrexham AFC
Last season’s U19 national runners up Wrexham finished Phase One in the North league top of the table and will be looking to challenge for that national title again just as they did last time out.
Gareth Owen’s side have been involved in some incredibly competitive games so far. That includes two 0-0 draws against The New Saints and Connah’s Quay Nomads, which is credit to a strong backline they’ve built up, conceding just seven times so far.
It’s also seen two players involved with that defence, Leah Burke and Isabel Barnett, become more involved with the first team this season under Jenny Sugarman, after impressing in the U19s North league. Goalkeeper Sophie Nash has also been a standout for Wrexham’s U19s so far this campaign.
In the attacking front, pacey striker Grace Morris, who made her Adran Premier debut last season, has scored 8 goals so far this campaign, leading the scoring charts in the U19s North. Attacking midfielders Bella Riley and Sienna Perry have also impressed, with the form of Perry earning herself a Welsh Colleges callup.
Part of Wrexham’s success so far this season is keeping the core of their team from last season together. They’ve lost Isabella Devereux and Erin Oakley to Genero Adran North sides, whilst defender Emma Burnham has departed for the US, but the rest of their squad from that final against Cardiff City have remained, and no doubt developed.
They’ve also added Ana Jones, Eva Nedugodan, Indie Griffiths and Olive Cooke to the squad in the summer just gone.
A strong Wrexham side, who will be looking to push for the title in the newly formed Premier Conference.
Barry Town United
Former Genero Adran U19s National winners Barry Town will be looking to recreate that historic 2024 title win this season.
After winning the South division that season, The Linnets won the playoff final against Connah’s Quay Nomads in Newtown, with current Swansea City youngster Megan-Ruby Clarke scoring a hattrick that day. Cardiff Met winger Scarlett Davies also scored as Barry, led by James Kurz that season, became the only other side outside Cardiff City to win the competition.
After having to play lots of games in hand during the past few weeks, five wins in a row saw Barry enter the top five, finishing 3rd, therefore qualifying for the Premier Conference. They finished Phase One with a 4-2 win over Taffs Well.
They’ve also prepared for Phase Two with a fixture against an ambitious senior side in Cambrian United. A 4-2 loss in the Hugh James SWFA Women’s Cup, but an experience to learn from for a young Barry side.
This time around they’re led by Tom Davies, who will be looking to push Barry as far as possible once again. A huge turnover of players during the summer saw several signings come into the club, some of which have already appeared in the Genero Adran Premier.
Cardiff Wanderers in recent years have developed some of the best players coming through in Wales, and two of Barry’s standout players joined from Wanderers. Top scorer Hope Rees has ten goals, whilst U19s captain Ava Coomer, also joining from Cardiff Wanderers, has been crucial in the Barry midfield this season.
Coomer’s form has seen an Adran Premier callup come her way, alongside winger Millie Breen, and attacking full-back Eleni Tucker, who has nine assists to her name in the U19s league.
Libby Emanuel and Ruby James have also impressed since joining from Pontypridd United, whilst the form of defender Carys Ford continues her international recognition, with a recent callup to Wales U16s.
Another season of key development for many players in Barry Town United’s U19s, and with the group going into Phase Two with momentum, there’s every chance they can push for that title again.
Connah’s Quay Nomads
2024 U19 National finalists Connah’ Quay Nomads will be looking to repeat their success from that campaign, and maybe even go one step further.
The Nomads finished 2nd in the North division coming into Phase Two, but Dan Roach’s side will be looking to improve in the next stage of the season after concluding Phase One with a heavy defeat to North leaders Wrexham AFC.
Development via the U19s has seen several players step up into the first team, with some players playing a vital role in both sides this season.
Promising midfielder Hannah Slack looks to be having a breakthrough season in Nomads colours, whilst Megan Clarke continues to be a key feature of the U19s.
Lily Manchester made her senior debut for Connah’s Quay in the Genero Adran North against Berriew last weekend, and captained Nomads U19s in their concluding game of Phase One and could prove to be a vital part of the side in the next stage of the season.
To their credit, Connah’s Quay Nomads are the only Adran North side with an U19s team this season, as they look to build in all aspects of the women’s setup, ahead of ambitions of Genero Adran Premier football.
Development on a national stage for their U19s will only help prepare many players who haven’t quite had exposure to senior football, to have the experience of playing far and wide in the country.
Briton Ferry Llansawel
A team who are always in the mix at the top end of the South division, Briton Ferry Llansawel will be looking to make an impact in Phase Two under Roger Webb.
Ferry finished 4th in Phase One after a strong start to the season. A bit of inconsistency towards the end of the opening stage of the season means they finished outside the top three, but this is a group of players who are capable of pushing for the U19s National title.
Lots of players in Ferry’s U19s have progressed through the club’s age group teams, including attacking players Chloe Rudge and Lucy Jones, who have been vital in the forward line for Briton Ferry so far this season, which also saw Rudge make her senior debut in December.
Freya Peyton has also had a breakout season, with the hard-working winger already making seven senior appearances in the Ferry first team, scoring her first Genero Adran Premier goal in November against The New Saints. The 15-year-old is no doubt a future star in the Adran Leagues if she does remain in Wales.
An incredible depth of attacking quality, which also stems throughout the side. Midfielder Tegan Owen has also impressed in recent months, with six goal contributions in nine matches. She also played a star role in her final game for Ferry’s U17s in May, including an incredible long-range effort in the lack kick of the game as Ferry won 4-0 in the U17s final.
Briton Ferry Llansawel are another example of where the opportunity for development is huge, and if they can find that early season consistency again, they could have a big say on the national title race.
Carmarthen Town
Five wins in a row at the end of Phase One saw Carmarthen Town take 5th spot in the Genero Adran U19s South League, meaning they’ve qualified for the Premier Conference in Phase Two.
A 4-0 win against Swansea City was the decider, as a win for The Swans would’ve seen them take Carmarthen’s spot. A strong performance saw The Old Gold progress though, as Casi Jones, Nieve Taylor, Mali John and Ophelia Jenkins all scored to ensure Premier Conference football will come to the LHP Stadium.
It’s been a remarkable journey for the women’s and girls’ section at Carmarthen Town. The senior side’s rise from tier five to tier two in three years has been met by consistent seasons from their U19s, whilst also forming an U17s side for the first time this season.
Several players have progressed too, whether that be from the U17s to the U19s, or through to the first team in the Genero Adran South. The U19s side are led by Huw Evans, but in terms of the management, all teams are given that same focus, with coaches from the first team supporting those in the U19s and U17s.
Captained by Jem Evans, the full-back and her sister, Summer, have been vital to the performances of the U19s. Summer Evans is the U19s top scorer for Carmarthen with ten goals so far this season, with the duo joining from Aberystwyth Town in the summer.
Nieve Taylor, Caitlin Lewis and Emilia Siby have also impressed in the U19s since joining from a successful Johnstown AFC U17s side, whilst Libby Hayhurst has been crucial in the attacking third, with ten goal contributions so far for the striker in a Carmarthen shirt.
Forwards Mali John and Grace Dobney also continue to play their part in the U19s side, as Carmarthen Town aim to continue to develop and improve this season.
The New Saints
The third North side who will join the Premier Conference, TNS U19s are still on the lookout for their first win of the 2025/26 campaign.
A successful season for the group last season, finishing 2nd in the Genero Adran U19s North League, where they won nine out of the 12 games they played. Like mentioned with many other clubs in this article, they also have a successful development system with their U17s and U16s progressing through.
However, it’s been a difficult start to the season for their U19s, with two points from five games.
They lost some key players from their last campaign. Striker Elin Roberts moved on, and is currently with CPDM Bangor, top scorer and versatile player Josie Lawson made the switch to Tranmere Rovers, whilst star winger Evie Manders has taken up an opportunity in the United States.
Three key players for The Saints to lose, and ultimately a lot of goals, which is where they’ve struggled this season.
TNS U19s do have some top quality in their ranks though, which has also seen players step up to the first team. Defensive-minded player Ava Homer made her senior debut against Cambrian United in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup not too long ago. Goalkeeper Charlie Scott has also been called upon in the Genero Adran Premier this season.
Soffia Jones has also seen first team action this season, with the attacking midfielder impressing during the past two seasons at Park Hall.
Not a totally disappointing season for TNS in every aspect of the development of their U19s, but no doubt they’ll be looking for a vast improvement when the league goes national this week.
Matchday One Fixtures – Genero Adran U19s Premier Conference
Cardiff City vs Pontypridd United (Friday 16th January, Kick-Off 8pm)
Barry Town United vs Briton Ferry Llansawel (Friday 16th January, Kick-Off 8pm)
Carmarthen Town vs The New Saints (Saturday 17th January, Kick-Off 5pm)
*MD1 fixture between Connah’s Quay Nomads and Wrexham AFC to be played at the end of the season, provisionally 24th April.
Championship Conference
Teams in the South Division who missed out on the top five will form the Genero Adran U19s Championship Conference.
Swansea City, Cardiff Met, Taffs Well, Llanelli Town, Aberystwyth Town, Cascade YC and Penybont will all continue Phase Two as part of the Championship group, which allows all the team involved to continue their development.
Despite finishing below the top five, there’s still been standout performers going into the second half of the season. Swansea City forward Lowri Jones has scored 12 goals since joining from Johnstown AFC in the summer, which has seen the 17-year-old rewarded with senior team callups.
Susanna Cunningham has also impressed with nine goal contributions in ten games, with the attacking-minded player having also captained the side in recent matches.
Formerly of Swansea City, Gracie-Mae Howard has made a positive impact in Cardiff Met, which has also seen first team exposure in the Genero Adran South. Energetic midfielder Millie Lewis also continues to play a key role for Met, whilst Catrin Lemos is Met’s top scorer with five since moving across from Caerau Ely.
Aberystwyth Town winger Branwen Orchard has progressed through the U19s league, with her form earning minutes in the Genero Adran Premier, and elsewhere impressive performances in the division for Llanelli Town midfielder Abigael Pritchard has been rewarded with game time in the Genero Adran South, scoring the winner on her senior debut with a long-range effort against Cardiff Met.
Cascade YC attacker Trinity Reakes has scored five times in Phase One, and made her senior debut recently in the Hugh James SWFA Cup, scoring in that game as Cascade progressed past Llantwit Fardre.
Amy Chamberlain has been involved with the Penybont first team in recent matches after her performances for the U19s, and Alys Grant of Taffs Well has seen game time in the U19s league having impressed at U16s, after joining the club from Cardiff Wanderers last summer.
Matchday One Fixtures – Genero Adran U19s Championship Conference
Aberystwyth Town vs Llanelli Town (Friday 16th January, Kick-Off 7:30pm)
Cardiff Met vs Cascade YC (Friday 16th January, Kick-Off 7:30pm)
Swansea City vs Taffs Well (Friday 16th January, Kick-Off 8pm)
