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Updates as of Wednesday 16th July 6pm, Written by Harry Ware
The past few days in women’s football in Cymru has seen several movements amongst clubs in the Genero Adran Leagues and beyond, as pre-season begins and preparations for 2026/27 become that bit more real.
For Wrexham AFC, preparation has been ongoing for a little longer than others, with the UEFA Women’s Champions League just a week away. Mikayla Cook, Lucy Farrell and Natasha Thomas have already arrived, and now, two more players have landed at the club, with Welsh midfielder Bella Reidford joining Jenny Sugarman’s side, having been on trial with the club in their recent pre-season trip to Cork.
Former Manchester United U21s captain Reidford joins The Red Dragons from Stoke City, as was recently signed goalkeeper Lucy Farrell. Stoke themselves have announced the signing of former Cardiff City midfielder Seren Watkins today.
23-year-old central midfielder Reidford played under Rebecca Sawiuk at Burnley in recent seasons, and will now link back up with her former coach in North Wales. A composed defensive minded player but with the ability to contribute going forward, Reidford strengthens the Wrexham midfield ahead of their opening UWCL game against Armenian side FC Pyunik next week at the Racecourse.
Also joining The Red Dragons is left sided defender Lydia Sallaway, who arrives in North Wales on a loan deal with Women’s Super League side Aston Villa.
The 19-year-old centre back, who can also operate at left back, spent time out on loan at Glasgow City in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, helping the side win the Sky Sports Cup in Scotland.
Sallaway has already made her WSL debut for Villa, and will add to Jenny Sugarman’s defensive ranks ahead of the UEFA Women’s Champions League next week. A left-footed athletic defender with a high technical ability, Sallaway adds a lot of quality to the Wrexham defence. The length of the loan for Lydia Sallaway to Wrexham remains undisclosed.
An England youth international, Sallaway said on joining Wrexham: “I’ve heard great things about this Club and being around the girls for a short amount of time, I’m just really excited for the new season to get started. I’ve seen the direction which this Club is heading towards and there is such a positive feeling around the place. I’m looking forward to my own personal development here, as well as seeing this team develop.
“I feel like I can bring good strength along the back line to this team. I’m really excited to get to know everyone properly, build our chemistry up, and I do feel that we can go really far this season, just like the team did last season.
“I can’t wait to meet the fans. I’ve heard that they are so passionate about the squad and the town, which is really exciting. I’m looking forward to meeting them but also for them to get to know me as a player and a person.”
Other summer departures at Wrexham have found new clubs in recent days. 24-year-old winger Carra Jones has returned to Chorley of the FA Women’s National League, having played for the club earlier in her career.
Returning to the pitch is young goalkeeper Chloe Ankers, who has taken up a player/coach role with Genero Adran North side Wrexham Foresters. Ankers is one of a number of signing the newly promoted tier two side has made in recent days.
The 19-year-old shot stopper initially put her playing career on pause to pursue her coaching journey, but will now continue playing, alongside developing her coaching skills. A top quality goalkeeper with experience in the top flight, Ankers will bring leadership and a needed presence at the back for Wrexham Foresters.
A number of TNS youngsters have also joined The Foresters. Midfielders Lexi Jones and Ruby Smith both make the switch to the Genero Adran North, whilst full backs Mia Thomas and Ffion Davies adds to Kirstie Kural’s defensive options.
Clinical striker Evie Wigley is one of the latest additions for Wrexham Foresters. A strong and determined forward, the 16-year-old was key to TNS U16’s reaching the Bute Energy U16s Cup Final last season.
Scoring 17 league goals, Wigley was joint top scorer in the North East Wales Girls Red League, joint only to TNS teammate and another rising star in Tallulah Parker.
Wigley said on joining The Foresters: “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity to prove myself at a higher level within this very motivated club.
“All the women and coaching staff have made me feel extremely welcome and I’m super excited for this next chapter in my footballing journey. I am totally driven to help improve the team both as an individual and as a team player. It’s clear to see this club matches my drive and ambitions.”
An incredibly talented group of players coming from the youth at TNS, and all with the ambition to prove themselves at senior level, at a football club looking to prove themselves in the Genero Adran Leagues. That factor, combined with the high level experience they’ve retained from last season, is an exciting prospect.
What is also exciting for Foresters is the signing of Madison Miles, their first from outside the Welsh system this summer. A talented midfielder who was highly-rated at her most recent club Alvechurch, the 17-year-old became a regular in the middle of the park for the West Midlands Regional Women’s Football League side.
If we stay on the theme of North Wales, and the topic of outgoings. Three players have departed Connah’s Quay Nomads in recent days.
Attacking midfielder Elana Harley, versatile forwards Polly Wild-McGregor and Alisha Whitehead-Hughes, have all made the switch to Chester FC of the English football pyramid. Cymru Sport understands Connah’s Quay Nomads full back Megan Andrews is also set to make the most to Chester.
All four players mentioned were key in the recent success of The Nomads, winning back-to-back Genero Adran North title, whilst playing a significant leadership role in the group. Big exits for Andy Griffiths’ side ahead of 2026/27.
Bangor City 1876 have completed their second signing of the summer. The Genero Adran North signed opened the window with the signing of winger Ellie Sian Jones, and have now added to their options out wide with the signing of Hannah Owen.
Primarily a left winger, Owen joins from Llandudno, having previously spent time at North Wales Coast Llandudno Kia League side Llangefni Town. A strong and quick forward with the ability to drive at defences, Owen brings another high quality option on the wing for Bangor, with Erin Basinger and Mia Roberts already committing their futures at the club.
We’ve already discussed TNS outgoings, but on Tuesday, recent loanee Orla Howard has announced she’s made the move to WSL side Everton, initially as part of the PGA side after the goalkeeper departed West Bromwich Albion.
Howard said on joining Everton via Instagram: “So excited to start this new chapter. I would like to thank West Brom for the past season and for helping me to develop within senior football.
“I would also like to thank TNS for the loan opportunity. Can’t wait to get going.”
TNS have completed a fourth signing of the summer with the return of Helen Evans, after a season away at Cardiff City.
The 25-year-old central midfielder recently joined Newtown AFC in the Novira Cymru North as Physiotherapist, and will continue playing her football alongside her new role off the pitch. A box-to-box midfielder with high energy levels, Evans is another significant capture by Kieran Lee-Birch, following the signings of Abbie Iddenden, Hannah Snape and Fiona Barry.
Evans said to the club website on returning to The New Saints: “After four great seasons, a year away, and plenty of lessons learned, I’m incredibly excited to be back. I’m looking forward to returning to a club that has played such a big part in my career, seeing familiar faces again, and embracing a new challenge.
“I can’t wait to get started, give everything for the badge once again, and help the team achieve as much success as possible.”
Also making the switch from The Bluebirds is 24-year-old central defender Nieve Rowbottom, having relocated North.
Formerly of Cardiff Met and Swansea City, and capable of playing in midfield, Rowbottom becomes the third Cardiff City player to make the move to TNS after Fiona Barry and Helen Evans.
An established high-level defensive player in the Genero Adran Premier, notably for her aerial presence and strength, Rowbottom is another key signing for Kieran Lee-Birch
Rowbottom, previously known as Jenkins, told The New Saints website: “I’m really excited for this new chapter with The New Saints. Having faced them many times over the last couple of seasons, I’ve always admired the way this club is run and the ambition behind it.
“I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, get started on the training pitch, and hopefully help bring more success this year.”
Making the move to Cardiff City is central defender Thierry-Jo Gauvain, who makes the move from FAWNL side Bristol Rovers, following defender Ella Hilliard from The Gas, who also signed for Cardiff in recent weeks.
Gauvain previously represented Gwalia United and Yeovil Town before her spell at Rovers, having become a key player in tier four. A tall defender who brings leadership and experiences having played in Cymru previously on both national level for the U17s and for Gwalia, Cardiff City boss Noah Bushby described Gauvain as “fierce competitior” on her arrival in the capital.
25-year-old Gauvain told Cardiff City TV: “It’s a real privilege. I used to come down to the stadium all the time when I was younger to watch Cardiff City. It feels like an honour to be putting on the shirt and playing for this Club.
“I’m a loud player. I love defending, tackling and winning so I’ll do anything I can to achieve that for the team. Hopefully I’ll be an exciting player for our fans to watch.”
Genero Adran South side Carmarthen Town have been busy in recent days ahead of another title challenge in tier two for 2026/27, with the additions of Llanelli Town duo Stacey Webber and Ellie-Jade Latronico, which was followed by the joint statement from Llanelli player’s of the team’s disbandment.
Webber was a key goalscorer at Llanelli primarily in a forward role, whilst having also played full back last season. Formerly of Swansea City and Dafen Welfare, the 31-year-old will bring both leadership and a high technical ability for The Old Gold, and of course versatility.
A top scorer at Llanelli in previous campaigns, Webber told the club social media: “I’m excited to be joining the club for the season ahead. After a few years on the other side of a local rivalry, I’m excited to now be part of this team.”
Former Swansea City centre half Latronico made her debut in the Genero Adran Premier in 2023, and is also capable of playing higher up in a midfield role. A regular in the Llanelli defence last season, the 20-year-old brings added defensive quality for Carmarthen, having also brought leadership to every team she’s played in despite being at the start of her career.
Carmarthen have also added to the goalkeeper union, with former Cymru U17 international Poppy Delaney signing from Swansea City. The 17-year-old has been part of the Swans U17s and U19s in the past year, and has shown high-level acrobatic ability, whilst also being comfortable with the ball at her feet.
Delaney said on joining Carmarthen: “I’m really looking forward to the season ahead with Carmarthen Town. I’m excited to be part of a great team and hope to push myself and give my best for the club.”
The Old Gold have also announced two players for their U19s side, with the Genero Adran U19s South still running this season. Whilst initially for the U19s side, it’s worth noting many players at Carmarthen make a rapid rise through the squads in the pathway at the LHP Stadium.
It’s a double Swansea City signing too, with striker Alix Green and attacking midfielder Esmee Kennelly making the move to Huw Evans’ side. The duo appeared in the Genero Adran U19s Leagues last season, with more players with high potential joining the West Wales side.
Elsewhere in the U19s League, Swansea City have completed the signing of versatile midfielder Sofia Gimblett from Llanelli Town.
The 18 year-old joins up with Richard Harris’ side as they look to take another step in the Genero Adran U19s South. An energetic and quick player, Gimblett can also operate in a wing-back role, and brings leadership qualities having captained Llanelli’s U19s on a number of occasions last season.
Outside the Genero Adran Leagues, SWWGL Alun Evans League Cup winners Goytre AFC have made their first signing of the summer, bringing in Llanbradach AFC goalkeeper Emily Horan.
The 28-year-old has also represented Llanrumney United in recent seasons, and now makes the switch to a Goytre side looking to push for tier two football next season.
Goytre manager Josh Corbett said on Horan’s signing: “We’re really pleased Emily has decided to join the Goytre family.
“She impressed us last season when we came up against her, and we’re excited to now have her with us.”
A big week for SWWGL Division One side Caerau Ely, who face Perago West Wales League side Clydach in a tier three playoff final on the 28th July, and the SWWGL side have recruited ahead of the matchup.
Central defender Emma Fay strengthens Caerau Ely’s backline ahead of the game. The 23-year-old makes the switch from Combined side Fairwater, where she spent two seasons playing her football.
Caerau Ely have also confirmed the signing of attacking midfielder Dani Buckland, joining from recently promoted Undy AFC.
The 27-year-old has also spent time at Lucas Cwmbran in the SWWGL Combined, and will add quality in attack for Liam Bell Gutierrez. Buckland contributed to 39 goals in all competitions for Undy in 2025/26.
Defensive midfielder Laurenne McNamara has also made the switch from Undy to Caerau Ely ahead of a big few weeks for the SWWGL side. The 30 year-old was key for Undy in their promotion, and also contributed on the goalscoring front with 13 goal contributions in all competitions.
Elsewhere in the SWWGL, recently promoted SWWGL Combined side Undy AFC have completed the signing of full back Erin Hale.
The 21-year-old has spent time in English football with Bristol Rovers and more recently AEK Boco, and will now write a new chapter in Welsh football with Undy.
Staying on defenders, Cymru U17 international Katie Whiteway has confirmed her move to Aston Villa, having developed through the academies at Aberystwyth Town and FAW.
The 16-year-old central defender has been subject of interest from several clubs but will start a new journey with the Women’s Super League side.
