FAW Womens Centre of Excellence
In August 1998 I was invited to attend the Welsh Trials and afterwards was asked to join the FAW Womens Centre of Excellence, which was set up to provide quality training to selected Welsh women players. This was another big help in the development of my skills. We trained once every two weeks with all the other top welsh girl players and sometimes played other Centre of Excellence teams.
In September 1998 (aged 14) I was elected Captain of the under 16 Cardiff County LFC (junior) team and I began regularly training with members of the Cardiff County LFC First (senior) team on Friday nights playing 5 aside football which really helped speed up my reactions and the development of my football skills.
My parents regularly provided video of my matches to help me analyse my play and gave me regular personal coaching, which they still do today.
Senior Reserve Team
In January 1999 still aged 14 my home club Cardiff County felt I was getting too big and strong for the Junior team and asked me to register with the FAW so that I could play for the Senior Reserve team. I was sad to leave the juniors, we had a lot of fun, but I needed a stronger challenge to help me progress and learn new skills. Playing with the Senior Reserves was a big step up for me the whole style of play was different, the game was faster and I was now playing against some big strong women. I managed to hold my own though and spent only six weeks in the reserve team as striker scoring 16 goals (thanks to good team work !) in FAW League matches.
FA AXA Permier League (Senior 1st Team)
In September 1999 (aged 15) my home club Cardiff City (formerly Cardiff County) asked me to register with the FA for the AXA Premier League so I could play with the Senior First team. It came as a bit of a shock to me but I couldn't wait to give it a go.
My aim to play for Wales seemed to be moving closer to reality.
1st Premier League Penalty
 On the 12th December 1999 (aged 15) I played Chelsea in the fourth round of the FA AXA Premier League Cup. I just missed a goal with a header from a long free kick (click video button to see me miss).
The match went to extra time and then penalties. I was selected to take one of our penalties, Chelsea had just missed one (great save), I was very focused, I had to score to help ensure our win but also prove my ability. I shot a rocket of a ball into the top of the net to great applause, this was one of my “best moments”.
Playing for Wales in the UEFA Championships
The Welsh U 18 Squad in Iceland. Back row: Emma Jones, Natalie Ashford, Jenna Hopkins (me), Sam Cooke, Sarah Gregory, Jo Price, Alison Vickers, Kelly Davies, Laura Roberts, Natalie Green. Front row: Lindsay Phillips, Danielle Richards, Michelle Green, Leanne Robertson, Kelly Hughes, Eleri Earnshaw, Claire Davies, Sarah Bastion, Helen Jones, Sian Cheedy
In August 2000 (aged 16) I was selected for the Welsh U18's Squad trials for the coming UEFA Championships, I had high hopes and did my best, later news came that I had been selected for the Welsh U18 squad to play Iceland and Moldova, great !
Over in Iceland I was hoping to gain my first cap which eventually came when I made my debut coming on as substitute and scoring in the match against Moldova which we won.
I also came on as a substitute against Iceland unfortunately we lost, but Wales still went through to the next round to play Ireland, Turkey and England.
It was a great experience and one that I will never forget, the feeling of putting on the shirt and representing your country and getting my first two FA caps.
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Fun in Icelands Hot Springs. Left to right: Andy Beatie, Alison Vickers, Allan B (Physio), Lindsay Allan, Emma Jones, Danielle Richards, Sarah Greogory, Doctor, Kit Man, Natalie Ashford, Sarah Bastion.
Relaxing at the hotel. Left to right - Back row: Jo Price, Sam Cooke, Sarah Gregory, Natalie Ashford (Kelly Hughes in front), Jenna Hopkins (Lianne Robertson in front), Front three: Lindsay Allan, Kelly Davies, Emma Jones
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I was called up for the trials for the next round of the UEFA Championship to be held in Ireland and was selected again, I couldn't wait to go and play against some of the best U18 players in the world.
The Welsh U 18 Squad in Ireland. Back row:
Kelly Davies, Sian Cheedy (Welsh Flag), Laura Roberts, Sam Cooke, Sarah Gregory, Jo Price, Jenna Hopkins, Lowri Davies, Michelle Green, Natalie Ashford, Emma Meredith (Welsh Flag). Front Row: Eleri Earnshaw, Leanne Robertson, Adelle Taylor, Kelly Hughes, Helen Jones, Emma Jones (Captain), Jo Jones, Claire Davies.
When we got to Ireland the first match was against Turkey. I was picked in the first 11 and was proud to stand and sing the Welsh national anthem at the start of the match. I went into the match with an open mind and very focused. Wales won with five goals to Turkey’s two, it was a bonus for me to score all five and get another cap, but I couldn't have done it without the great teamwork of all our players (thanks team !).
It is custom that a player scoring a hat trick is given the match ball, I got all the players and officials to autograph the ball which now sits with my other trophies.
When I got back to Wales the FAW decided I should be presented with the Crystal Bowl (see picture on right) they had received from the Irish FA commemorating the event because it turned out I was the first Welsh Man or Women to score five goals in an international match for Wales.
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Wales next played Ireland, if Wales won we would certainly go through to the next round, it all rested on the Ireland game, we started off positively and I scored one thanks to the teams efforts. The game finished 1-1 which meant Wales had to win the next game against England to get through. It was a tough game and Wales lost to England and were knocked out by Ireland on goal difference. It was unfortunate but it was a great experience, another 3 caps and I loved every moment.
Back to Wales
I played the rest of the 2000 - 2001 season with Cardiff City LFC which is very different from playing with the Welsh squad, but there was plenty to be done at Cardiff City to improve personal and team play. I was happy to be the seasons top goal scorer, but unfortunately Cardiff City LFC did not improve it's overall standards. At the end of the season Cardiff City was relegated and dropped out of the AXA Premier League.
Ian Rush Tournament 2001
After a six week summer break I trained and played as a guest with Newport County LFC at the Ian Rush Tournament at Aberystwyth. Thanks to excellent teamwork we beat Manchester United 9 - 0, with 7 out of our 13 goal tournament tally I felt I was making my mark and was really enjoying playing good football again.
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Newport County LFC
When the start of the 2001-2002 season came along I decided to play and train with Newport County LFC who offered match play in the FA AXA Premier League and a really good team spirit. By mid September 2001 I was only one goal short of my Premier League total for last season, thanks to great team work and great fun.
UEFA Championships 2001
To be continued...
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