Phil SumblerIn all the fuss about the potential managerial change at Swansea City it can be easily overlooked that the Ladies team won a league and cup double and can look forward once again to Champions League football next season.
An unbeaten campaign saw them concede just one league goal and a cup final victory over Cardiff City meant that there was much to celebrate for Colin Staples and his team of talented players.
There has also been much discussion within the ladies game in Wales following a restructure of the league which has seen decisions taken in the corridors of power at the FAW (see full story here) rather than on the pitch but that in itself should not detract from all that is good within our team.
Being in a defender that conceded just one goal in sixteen league games last season tells you much about the strength at the back that the team has and Ria Hughes is an integral part of the Swans defence that was so mean last season for opposition attackers.
Speaking earlier this month to Women’s soccer scene the Swans defender said “I am extremely proud to be apart of Swansea City Ladies and to be champions of Wales. It has been a tough season for us but we are a strong team and always power through until the end.
“We work hard in our units and as a whole. To only concede one goal all season is amazing, we strive to concede as little as possible.”
The Swans league success means that we have another crack at Champions League football to come next season and it is something that Ria is dreaming of as she enjoys the close season.
“It’s always exciting to be able to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Getting the opportunity to experience and play against women in Europe is something girls dream of doing and we are fortunate to be able to be able to do it again.”
