Campaigners push for under-21 and under-23 squads for Wales women's teams
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 4:55 AM
Last updated Jun 1, 2026
Campaigners are advocating for the establishment of under-21 and under-23 women's soccer teams in Wales to create better pathways to senior international football. Soraya Kelly, mother of Wales goalkeeper Soffia Kelly, emphasized the need for these squads to prevent young talent from falling off the development track. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has been noted for efforts at the under-19 level but lacks a bridge to senior competition, unlike counterparts in England and Scotland. The Senedd's petitions committee has acknowledged and forwarded requests for enhanced funding and support for women's football. Soffia Kelly and other young players would benefit from a more structured approach to development.
- •Soffia Kelly's mother leads campaign for youth squads in Wales.
- •Current systems lack support for players aged 19 and under.
- •Wales is the only UK association without recognized under-23 teams.
- •FAW has been proactive at under-19 level, but gaps remain.
- •Concerns raised about losing talented players without a clear progression.
- 4:55 AMYahoo Sports — 'Unacceptable' gap costing Wales young talent claim
- 4:55 AMBBC Sport — 'Unacceptable' gap costing Wales young talent claim
"Campaigners want to see Wales under-21 and 23 women's squads to improve pathways from age-grade to senior international football.
"Campaigners want to see Wales under-21 and 23 women's squads to improve pathways from age-grade to senior international football.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 1, 2026, 4:55 AM'Unacceptable' gap costing Wales young talent claim
Campaigners want to see Wales under-21 and 23 women's squads to improve pathways from age-grade to senior international football.
- BBC SportJun 1, 2026, 4:55 AM'Unacceptable' gap costing Wales young talent claim
Campaigners want to see Wales under-21 and 23 women's squads to improve pathways from age-grade to senior international football.
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