Aled Williams

Wrexham captain Jodie Bartle is preparing for a Women's Champions League qualifying final against Riga FC after helping the club win its first Welsh championship. Her summer has coincided with her brother Sam Battle, known as Look Mum No Computer, representing the UK at Eurovision with “Eins, Zwei, Drei.” Bartle joined Wrexham partly to revisit the Champions League after difficult experiences with Celtic, and celebrated her first victory in the competition when Wrexham beat FC Pyunik 4-2. The result was the first European victory for a Welsh side in the competition since 2019, giving the team confidence as it seeks to make further history.

Wrexham defender Zak Vyner is eager to experience the club's strong United States following during a three-match pre-season tour against Leeds, Liverpool and Sunderland. The 29-year-old, who joined from Bristol City in January, says previous European friendlies gave him an initial sense of the club's travelling support, but teammates expect the American reception to be even larger. After dealing with injuries and adapting to a new club, Vyner hopes to impress manager Phil Parkinson, gain playing time and build fitness ahead of Wrexham's second successive Championship season.

Josh Lock’s patience has paid off with a breakthrough appearance and goal for The New Saints in a Champions League qualifier after several loan spells aimed at building his experience. Head coach Craig Harrison highlighted Lock’s technical ability and late physical development as reasons for the club’s long‑term belief in him. Lock credits his time at Caernarfon Town, where he contributed to a Welsh Cup victory, as key to his progress. With TNS now shifting to the Conference League after their exit, Lock hopes to secure regular first‑team opportunities this season.

Ollie Rathbone reflects on facing former club Manchester United, expressing gratitude for the grounding he received in their academy despite being released in 2016. After progressing through Rochdale and Rotherham before joining Wrexham, he has become an important player despite missing the first part of the season with an ankle injury. Rathbone sees Wrexham’s improved form and high‑profile preseason friendlies as preparation to start strongly in the upcoming Championship campaign.

Phil Parkinson expects Wrexham’s pre-season match against Manchester United in Helsinki to provide a valuable test, noting United will still field several first‑team players despite missing some World Cup participants. Wrexham continue preparations with a U.S. tour featuring Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland, following recent seasons of high-profile pre-season fixtures. Parkinson highlighted the importance of intensity and avoiding injuries, while defenders Dom Hyam and Liberato Cacace rejoined the squad after World Cup duty for Scotland and New Zealand respectively.

Spain’s under-19 team secured the European title in Wales, where hosting the tournament has led to significant investment in football facilities across the region. Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney highlighted the long-term benefits, including upgraded grounds, increased tourism and preparation for future major events. Coaches and officials from visiting teams praised the hospitality and infrastructure, while Welsh clubs such as Caernarfon Town, Denbigh Town and Ruthin Town reported lasting improvements. Despite poor results on the pitch, Chris Gunter noted the developmental value for young Welsh players, with the tournament’s legacy expected to inspire future generations.

Spain won the Uefa Men's Under‑19 Championship with a 2-0 victory over Germany in Wrexham, securing their 10th title. Goals from Hugo Lopez and Mario Rivas sealed the win as Spain completed the tournament without conceding. Germany created chances but were denied by goalkeeper Manu Gonzalez. Spain’s victory followed their women’s team also beating Germany to win the U19 title. Both finalists, along with Ukraine and Croatia, have qualified for the 2027 Fifa U20 World Cup, while Denmark will compete in inter‑confederation play‑offs.

Connah's Quay Nomads secured a disciplined 0-0 draw against Kosovo’s FC Ballkani in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League qualifying round, producing strong defensive moments and creating several second‑half chances. Manager John Disney oversaw a composed performance from his young side, with key interventions from James Jones and goalkeeper Chris Renshaw. Ballkani nearly snatched a late winner, but Anel Sabanadzovic missed, leaving the tie level ahead of the second leg, where the winner will face either Bohemians or St Joseph's.

Phil Parkinson urges patience as Wrexham navigate a slow transfer window shaped by new financial regulations and recent departures. With the club yet to secure new signings ahead of its US tour, he stresses the importance of securing the right additions while highlighting the strength of the existing squad. Recent exits include Paul Mullin, Tom O'Connor, and Mo Faal, with further departures expected. Parkinson attributes the slow market to Squad Cost Rules and the World Cup but remains confident the squad will evolve to meet the increased competitiveness of the Championship.

Rhys Hughes joins The New Saints seeking a return to full-time football after standout seasons with Connah's Quay Nomads. The former Everton academy winger aims to secure a place in the squad as TNS prepare for Champions League qualifiers against Sabah, inspired by the club’s previous European success. Hughes reflects positively on his development at Everton, his experiences at Tranmere, and the confidence he gained at Connah's Quay, expressing enthusiasm for the challenge and opportunities ahead.

Wales head coach Chris Gunter expressed disappointment after the national Under-19 team exited the UEFA tournament following a third consecutive defeat, losing 3-0 to Denmark. With earlier heavy losses to Spain and Germany, Wales were already out of contention before the final match, though a World Cup play-off spot remained at stake. Gunter declined to comment on reports linking him with a coaching role under Aaron Ramsey at Oxford United, emphasising his focus on preparing the team for the competition. He highlighted the long-term value of the experience for the young players despite their immediate disappointment.

Wales were eliminated from the UEFA Under-19 Championship after a 3-0 defeat to Denmark, ending their bid for a FIFA Under‑20 World Cup play-off place. Denmark advance to face the Group B third-placed team for a chance at inter-confederation play-offs. Spain and Germany had already secured semi-final places and World Cup qualification. Denmark’s Ollti Hyseni scored twice, with Hjallte Larke adding a free‑kick, while Wales finished with ten men after Jac Thomas was sent off.

Wales fell 4-0 to Germany in their second match of the UEFA Under-19 Championship, showing improvement after a heavy opening loss to Spain. Germany led 2-0 at half-time before adding two late goals. Wales will face Denmark next, with both teams competing for third place and a World Cup play-off spot. Earlier, Spain defeated Denmark 3-0 in the other Group A fixture.