City in Focus | Megan Bowen relishing European challenge
The Bluebirds are set to return to UEFA Women’s Champions League action, featuring in the competition for a second year running.
Iain Darbyshire’s side earned a place in Europe by winning the Adran Premier title in the 2023/24 season as part of a domestic treble.
Attention now turns to a tie against Dutch champions FC Twente, who will be hosting a mini-tournament in first round qualifying, with Valur or ZFK Ljuboten also in Group 5.
The Bluebirds have been preparing for the new campaign for the last few months with intense training, along with challenging fixtures. Centre-back Megan Bowen gave an insight into the side’s preparations.
“I think it’s been a really positive pre-season for us,” Megan began. “We’ve had some tough games, not only physically, but psychologically as well. The running and physical work that we’ve been doing has really pushed us to our limits, but will prepare us well for what’s to come.
“The only way for us to develop in pre-season is to play against tough teams, who are going to challenge us. We’ve played clubs that are full-time and that has been a great measure for us, because that’s where we want to be in the future.”
A talented squad
City have also brought in five new players to bolster the squad, with Nieve Jenkins, Shannon Evans, Fiona Barry and Laura Curnock joining, along with the return of talented playmaker Lily Billingham.
The summer has also seen some key departures from the side, with Rhianne Oakley and Seren Watkins joining West Bromwich Albion, along with the retirement of fantastic servant Siobhan Walsh.
Megan continued: “Every season is a chance to evolve as a Club, as a team and as individual players. The players we had that have left were crucial for us. We were able to learn so much from them, especially the likes of Siobhan, Seren and Rhi. We’ve brought in great players that fit in to how we want to play as a Club and they’ve bought into the idea.
“Cardiff City is a club that develops young talent, so for the likes of Lily coming back and Fiona, the younger players are given a platform to develop under the coaching staff to gain experience. It’s important that we all learn from each other and lean on our experiences, which will help us to get to where we want to be.
“It’s a really talented squad. Every year, we’re developing and we’re now drawing in players like Kerry [Walklett] and Laura from the English system. That’s a credit to how the Club is run, our performances on the field and of course, the draw of playing in the Champions League.”
Drawing on experience
In last year’s competition, the Bluebirds gained invaluable learning from defeats to FC Gintra and Shelbourne. A year on, the squad now head into next week’s fixtures with experience of playing in Europe.
“As a young player, playing in the Champions League is always something you want to strive towards. For me to do that at such a young age, it was a real learning experience for all of us. We’ll take those things into this year and hopefully, come home with better results.
“The first game against Gintra was probably the most nervous I’ve been for a game in my whole career. The Champions League song is playing and the badge is everywhere, so it’s a very surreal experience. It’s something that every one of us has worked towards.
“This year, we’re better prepared, we know what to expect and know the level. That’s why our pre-season has been designed the way that it has, because we have a better idea of what we’re preparing for.
“We’re facing one of the best teams in Europe in FC Twente. It’s a very big club and we’re excited to show what we’ve learned and how well we have progressed from last year.”