A new name and big ambitions for Gwalia United

It was announced in March that Cardiff City Ladies would be rebranded as Gwalia United this season

With a new name and big ambitions, Gwalia United are ready to begin their new era this season.

Wales’ only representatives in the English women’s football pyramid, Gwalia play in the third-tier Southern Premier Division and will kick off their campaign at Billericay Town on Sunday, 18 August.

The club formerly known as Cardiff City Ladies have set a target of achieving a place in the Women’s Super League following a takeover of the club in September 2023.

Part of the rebrand of the club has been the name change, with Gwalia being the Medieval name for Wales. It has also been adopted by rugby side Gwalia Lightning.

What’s in a name?

The club have dropped the Cardiff City Ladies name that has been with them since they were established in 1975.

The Cardiff club were relegated in 2021-22, but secured an immediate return to the third tier the following season and are now recruiting with an eye on challenging for another promotion.

Having shown a glimpse of their potential in reaching the last 16 of the FA Cup in 2023 – the only non-professional side to do so – Gwalia are now focusing on working their way up the divisions with a core of Welsh players.

Cardiff only finished eighth last season in the 12-team Southern Premier Division and will be looking to challenge at the top end of the division this season.

A team for Wales?

Now run by a consortium including Australia-based Damien Singh and Welsh businessman Julian Jenkins, Gwalia have potential resources beyond those of many of their divisional rivals.

Singh is the former chief financial officer of Canva, an online and social media graphics company reportedly valued at more than $20bn.

Part of the thinking behind the rebrand of Gwalia United was to ensure they could be considered a team for the whole of Wales, rather than for the capital.

Gwalia spread themselves across south Wales over pre-season, holding training sessions in Porthcawl, Castell Coch, Newport and Trefforest.

It is Newport that the club will call home this season with Newport Stadium – home of Newport County when they were a non-league side – acting as Gwalia’s home ground.

A Welsh core

Goalkeeper Laura O'Sullivan is perhaps the best-known member of the Gwalia squad

Welsh players form the core of Gwalia’s squad for the coming season, with Wales goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan perhaps the most high-profile name in the squad.

Forward Kylie Nolan is another Wales international at a club who have produced more than 100 senior Wales internationals.

Gwalia have also been busy recruiting Welsh talent, with Wales Under-19 captain Maisie Miller and forward Casi Gregson signed this summer.

Gwalia boss Fern Burrage-Male believes her squad is in good shape to begin the season.

“We’ve worked hard to strengthen the squad over the summer, and the players have shown tremendous attitude and application,” she said.

“These are the kinds of challenges a manager enjoys [when] selecting from a group of players all eager to contribute.”

Former Yeovil defender Thierry-Jo Gauvain, one of Gwalia's more experienced players, believes the club can improve on last season.

“Pre-season has been long, and the team is eager to get started,” she said.

“Although it’s a long journey, we’re preparing thoroughly to give ourselves the best chance of success. This year, we aim to build on last season’s progress and feel stronger and fitter than ever.”