Wrexham midfielder Lili Jones has been honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham.
As part of the annual ceremony, the 19-year-old was invested into the blue robes – an honour for individuals who have made a distinct contribution to their community or the nation in the fields of law, science, sports, journalism or the media.
The Archdruid heard that Jones is ‘part of the women’s football revolution in Wales, especially in Wrexham’ and that she ‘is a familiar voice on radio and television programmes, discussing the growing influence of football on the physical and mental health of women’.
Capped by Cymru at U17 and U19 level, the midfielder has played for Wrexham since the age of 12 – except for a two-year spell at Everton. She has starred as the Red Dragons won promotion to the Genero Adran Premier in 2023 and since established themselves in the top-flight with back-to-back top four finishes and appearances in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final.
Also forging a career for herself in the media, Jones has shone a spotlight on the Welsh language around the world through appearances on television, podcasts and the Disney+ documentary series Welcome to Wrexham.
Jones’ name in the Gorsedd Circle is Lili ferch Gareth, after her father who sadly passed away in 2021.
“I’m a girl from Wrexham, and I feel I’m in the right place at the right time,” Jones said. “I can’t believe that the things I do – because I love doing them – inspire other people.
“The Welsh language is important to me, and the fact that I’m being recognised by the Gorsedd is hard to believe, but it means a lot to me.
“That [her Gorsedd name] is in memory of Dad. It’ll be nice to take Dad with me on this next journey and keep his name alive.”
