As Gwalia United embarks on the 2024/25 season, a historic moment awaits as we take the field for the first time under our new name. This journey begins with an away match against Billericay Town on Sunday, August 18th, at 2 p.m.—a match that symbolises our transition from Cardiff City Ladies to Gwalia United.
Led by Fern Burrage-Male, our squad is ready to head to Essex, aiming to improve last season’s 3-3 draw. Both teams have undergone significant changes, with Billericay Town now under the guidance of Adrian Parral, former head coach of the Gibraltar Women’s national team. They’ve also strengthened their squad with notable signings, including Kara Fordjour, who has previously impressed against us for Hashtag United.
We’re approaching the game with a nearly full-strength squad, with only new signing Lauren Davies unavailable due to holidays. The team’s competitive spirit has been remarkable, with every player striving for a place in the starting eleven. Fern described it as a “nice headache” to have, emphasizing the squad’s hard work and dedication throughout preseason.
She said, “We’ve worked hard to strengthen the squad over the summer, and the players have shown tremendous attitude and application. These are the kinds of challenges a manager enjoys—selecting from a group of players all eager to contribute. We’ll confidently approach the game, but we know the importance of meticulous preparation. We aim to execute our game plan effectively and yield a positive result.”
Our commanding centre-back TJ echoed this sentiment and expressed the squad’s unwavering determination for the new season: “Preseason has been long, and the team is eager to get started. Although it’s a long journey, we’re preparing thoroughly to give ourselves the best chance of success. This year, we aim to build on last season’s progress and feel stronger and fitter than ever.”
As we kick off this new chapter, we want to express our gratitude for your unwavering support. Let’s hope the long trip to Essex proves rewarding, setting the tone for a season filled with anticipation and ambition. Full match coverage will be available through our match centre, and we look forward to welcoming you back for our home opener on Sunday, 25th August, against the newly promoted AFC Wimbledon at Newport Stadium. Tickets are available now—don’t miss out on the action!
