The Genero Adran Premier begins on Sunday, with a mouthwatering fixture schedule ensuring that the opening weekend is not one to be missed.
Reigning Genero Adran Premier champions Cardiff City begin the new campaign away to The New Saints (KO 17:35), live on Sgorio.
The Bluebirds finished 10 points clear at the top of the table last season and are now targeting a fourth successive league title. Midfielder Helen Evans has joined from TNS so she will be making an immediate return to Park Hall, while fellow new arrival Maddison Perrott, a Cymru U19 international, will also hope to make an impact.
The New Saints v Cardiff City
2024/25 was a historic season for TNS as they achieved a record third-place finish in the Genero Adran Premier and also claimed their first piece of silverware in the Genero Adran Trophy. Jodie Williams has replaced Shauna Duffy in the dugout over the summer, while former Wrexham forward Amber Lightfoot headlines the new arrivals on the pitch.
TNS achieved a first ever win over Cardiff City last season as they defeated the Bluebirds on their way to lifting the Genero Adran Trophy, but Iain Darbyshire’s won all four league meetings – including two thrillers at Park Hall.
In Phase One, the Bluebirds trailed on three separate occasions but ultimately won 4-3, while TNS led 2-0 in the 88th minute in Phase Two before City staged a remarkable late comeback to win 3-2.
Pontypridd United mark their return to the Genero Adran Premier with a home fixture against Aberystwyth Town at USW Sport Park (KO 14:00), in what could be a vital encounter early on for both sides.
Ponty were crowned Genero Adran South champions on the final day of last season, before producing a remarkable comeback to triumph 3-2 against Connah’s Quay Nomads in the promotion play-off final to seal an immediate return to the top-flight. Former U19s boss Drew Lewis has stepped up as manager following Claire O’Sullivan’s departure.
Aberystwyth were locked in a relegation battle for the majority of last season, but three wins in Phase Two ensured they kept their top-flight status. There has also been a managerial change at Park Avenue, where Rhys Jon James has replaced Chris Church.
The two sides last met in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup quarter-finals last season, when Ponty caused a shock with a 2-0 win at Park Avenue thanks to Nicole Fenton’s double.
Last season’s runners-up Briton Ferry Llansawel get their new campaign underway against Wrexham at The Renewable Centre Stadium (KO 14:00).
Ferry produced a series of stellar performances in their first campaign back in the Genero Adran Premier, but it has been all change in the summer as manager Rhys James has departed alongside key names Alison Witts and Tija Richardson. Rhys Thomas is the new man in the dugout and he has recruited several younger stars such as Lauren Payne, Grace Evans and Anya Grunewald.
At Wrexham, Jenny Sugarman has replaced Steve Dale in the dugout and has also been busy in the transfer market. Jodie Bartle and Katie Barker have both joined from Newcastle United climb, while Pakistan international Mariam Mahmood, former Cymru WU19 defender Josie Smith and Hannah Snape also bolster the Red Dragons’ squad.
All four meetings between the two sides last season were not shy of goals as both teams beat each other 3-0 at home in Phase One, before a 2-2 draw and a 3-1 Ferry win in Phase Two.
After impressing as interim manager in Phase Two last season, Yzzy Taylor will lead Swansea City as permanent boss for the first time away at Barry Town United (KO 14:00).
Taylor guided the Swans to five consecutive wins to close out last season, after they had dropped into the bottom half for Phase Two for the first time in their history. The squad has lost a number of experienced heads as Robyn Pinder, Sophie Brisland-Hancocks and Nia Jones have all exited, but Ellie Lake has returned alongside the arrivals of Caitlin Seaborne, Amelia Forkings and Eilish Mitchell.
Barry recorded their highest ever points tally in the Genero Adran Premier last season, and they will aim to build on that after welcoming Chelsea Cochrane and India Shanahan back to Jenner Park alongside the signings of Beca Thomas and Lily Dalton.
The first three meetings between the sides last season finished level as Barry took points off Swansea for the first time, before Stacey John’s brace inspired the Swans to a 3-0 away win in March.
