Cardiff City defender Megan Bowen says her side are embracing the test of their upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League first qualifying round tie against Athlone Town.
The Bluebirds, who are set to face their Irish counterparts on Wednesday 30 July, are entering their third consecutive European campaign and have firmly established themselves as the dominant force in Welsh domestic football — winning three straight Adran Premier titles and completing a historic treble in the 2023/24 season.
Following hard-fought ties in recent years against FC Gintra, Shelbourne, FC Twente, and ŽFK Ljuboten, the squad is determined to finally make their mark on the European stage.
Cardiff City v Athlone Town
All you need to know ahead of European clash
“It’s fantastic to be playing in Europe again,” Bowen said. “I’m always someone who wants to push myself, and I’m really getting that chance at Cardiff.
“We’re a club that likes breaking barriers. We’ve gone unbeaten, won the treble — and now that next step is about winning games in the Champions League.
“That’s our goal as a squad. Every year we regroup, set new targets, and a Champions League win is one we’re still chasing. But I think with the growth and development in this squad, it’s something that can happen for us.
“It’s been a tough off-season, especially training on your own. But as soon as we came back in, everyone’s mindset was on the Champions League.
“We’ve had some tough games against strong English sides in pre-season, but those matches have shown us where our strengths and weaknesses lie. That’s vital as we head into Europe.”
Despite being just 19 years old, Bowen has emerged as one of Cardiff’s most dependable performers, known for her composure in defence and her ability to step up when it matters most. She has captained the Bluebirds on multiple occasions.
“It’s been a brilliant few years at Cardiff,” she added. “After speaking to the girls, I’ve come in at a time when more positive things have started to happen here.
“We’re now in a position where other teams and managers expect us to win every game — and that pressure is a privilege. We just want to keep proving why we’re the best team in Wales.”
Her transition from a promising youngster at Barry Town United to a mainstay in Cardiff’s backline has been swift, and Bowen credits both the club and her personal journey for helping to develop her leadership qualities.
“Even though I’m only 19, I feel like I’ve built up a lot of experience — from my time here and at Barry,” she explained. “This will be my third Champions League campaign, so I feel like one of the more experienced players in our squad.
“Hopefully, we can come together again this year for another strong domestic season and make real progress in Europe too.”
Bowen also praised the increasing quality of the Genero Adran Premier, highlighting how rising standards and new talent have helped raise the overall level of competition in Wales.
“The league has massively improved since I joined. Back then, there was a big points gap at the top. Now, we’ve got battles for the top four going down to the final day — like we saw with Wrexham and Swansea. Teams that weren’t competing before are now challenging the best.
“It’s great to see more players coming in from England too. They’re no longer thinking they have to play there to develop. We’re showing you can thrive in Wales.”
Bowen also had praise for Cardiff boss Iain Darbyshire, who has overseen the club’s trophy-laden spell since taking charge in 2020.
“When I came to the club as a young, inexperienced player, he was brilliant,” she said. “He always had an arm around me and guided me through, helping me become one of the leaders in the squad.
“I can now say I’ve played in Europe twice — and I wouldn’t have done that without Iain and the whole group. The team I’ve had around me over the last few years has made me the player I am. They’ve been invaluable. Now, we’re all looking to thrive, push on, and take that next big step.”
