Adran Premier League rivalries to be renewed for 2024-25

There were laughs and smiles as Megan Bowen and Chloe Chivers stood arm-in-arm over the Adran Premier trophy at the season launch day, but do not expect such goodwill when Bowen’s Cardiff City begin their title defence against, among others, Chivers’ Swansea City.

The Bluebirds are looking to repeat last season’s domestic treble of Premier, Welsh Cup and Adran Trophy successes, while the Swans are aiming to improve upon successive second-place finishes behind their bitter rivals.

Representatives of all eight Premier teams gathered in the Welsh capital to launch the new season, which kicks off on Sunday, 15 September.

They came together in front of the statue of civil rights activist Betty Campbell, Wales’ first black head teacher.

Perhaps that was a fitting place to inspire Cardiff’s women to a third successive title after a recent heavy defeat by Dutch side FC Twente in the Champions League before their campaign ended against ŽFK Ljuboten.

“We've learnt a lot about ourselves and about the way we play and the better teams in Europe. If we bring that into the league this season, anything is possible,” said Bowen.

“For me personally it's the best team [Twente] I've ever played against, so the lessons you learn about how they play and how you can stop their attacks is important.

“If we bring the standards we had from that game into the season this year then we’re going to learn a lot and we’re going to go far.”

Just two years ago, it was Swansea representing Wales in Europe’s elite competition and, under new manager Jamie Sherwood, Chivers says there is a "massive" appetite to return.

“We’ve had uncertainty with management and quite a lot of things going on in the background which has really affected us over the last two years," Chivers said.

“We’re not a team full of excuses. We weren’t good enough and I think this year we’ve really got a point to prove.

“I don’t think we were far off last year. Small things let us down, but it’s about rectifying it and going out there and proving a point”.

The Hollywood factor

Of course the other six teams in the league will be quick to dismiss the idea of a two -horse race, with Wrexham - in particular - looking to reward the Hollywood investment of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney with silverware of their own.

The Dragons host Cardiff City in an eye-catching opener to their league season on Sunday following a pre-season tour of the United States.

Steve Dale‘s team, who finished third last season, even attended a special media event as part of the tour - at the hotel where the prestigious Golden Globes film awards ceremony is held.

But the players are aware they will not receive such red-carpet treatment in the competitive environment of the Adran Premier.

When asked if they are there to be shot down, defender Erin Lovett said: “A little bit. Some people try to big us up and maybe we are not at that status yet.

“I think it paints a picture for us and we feel that we need to live up to that, but we try to do our best and at the same time we do what we can.

“Some of us do and some of us don’t [enjoy the attention]. I don't really, it's a bit overwhelming sometimes, you don't really know what to make of it.

“It’s surreal. The American fans are amazing, they support us home and away and travelled hours just to come and watch us play. We were getting big beatings at some points, but they still were making amazing sounds.

“At Portland’s ground there were 10,000 there all cheering for Wrexham. It was a great experience.

“We wouldn't be where we are without Ryan and Rob, they've made the women's side so much better, not just for Wrexham but for Wales as well. We were the first team to go semi-pro officially and I think that's helped everyone around us do the same thing.”

Wrexham will be renewing their rivalry with newly promoted Briton Ferry Llansawel, who they beat in the Adran play-offs in 2023, while 15 miles south of the A483 they will also face the challenge of The New Saints, another team recently turning semi-professional.

TNS have arguably pulled off the coup of the summer by signing Wales defender Maria Francis-Jones, a former Manchester City player who has joined after leaving Burnley.

“I played for The New Saints when I was about 12 or 13,” said Francis-Jones.

“I was moving home and I thought there’s only one club for me to go back to and the ambition they have, turning semi-professional this season, was a big point for me to go and sign.

“I’ve had a lot of experience, tactical and technical, that I can bring to the team, also just knowing how to stay calm under pressure and bring my team up when sometimes the game is low."

Completing the line up of teams are Aberystwyth Town, who are looking to build upon last season’s fourth place, Cardiff Met, who finished sixth, and Barry Town United.

“I’m really excited,” said Jack Sharp, the head of domestic leagues for the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

“Seeing the second half of last season really demonstrated the quality in and around our league. We are in for a really exciting season and I think it’s really open.

“There’ll be a number of clubs that can have successful on-pitch and off-pitch seasons, so I'm very much looking forward to Sunday and getting going”.