Cymru head coach Rhian Wilkinson has spoken of the importance of the Genero Adran Premier, following call-ups for two of the league’s former rising stars.
Phoebie Poole, previously of Barry Town United and Cardiff City, has been selected in the senior squad for the first time, while ex-Pontypridd United forward Olivia Francis is also included as Cymru prepare for two international friendlies in Spain.
“They’ve both earned it, I’m looking forward to having them come in as training players and to show me what they can give,” Wilkinson said of the duo, who are both currently playing for Plymouth Argyle in the third tier of the women’s football pyramid in England.
Poole lifted the Genero Adran Premier title with Cardiff City in 2022/23, while also twice winning the Bute Energy Welsh Cup with the Bluebirds. Francis, meanwhile, was named the Genero Adran Premier Young Player of the Season in 2022/23 following a stellar breakthrough campaign at Pontypridd United.
With current Cymru internationals Rachel Rowe and Alice Griffiths – who were part of the squad for UEFA EURO 2025 in the summer – also starting their careers in the top-flight of Welsh domestic football, Wilkinson praised the value of the league in player development.
“I want to be really clear about the Adran Premier. I think it is such an important piece of the footballing landscape in Wales. I’m a huge supporter of it. To have a country where women can play to the highest possible level is really important – I come from Canada where we’ve only just got one [a domestic league] this past year.
“It’s not yet the feeder league to the national team, but that’s just one piece of a puzzle. But what is great is young players or players with potential are coming through that league and then moving on to the next stage where they can be invited to the national team.”
