Cardiff City have announced that they’ll play their Welsh Premier Women’s League fixture against Briton Ferry Llansawel at the 33,000-seater Cardiff City Stadium.
This historic game will take place on May 9th and will also stream live from Cardiff City TV, with fans unable to attend.
The stadium usually plays hosts to the Cardiff City men’s team and the Welsh men’s national team, as well as the occasional women’s international.
It was most recently used by Gemma Grainger’s side just one week ago, as Wales drew 1-1 draw against Denmark on April 13th.
“It’s big for the women’s game in Wales”
Bluebirds Head Coach Ian Derbyshire told the club’s official website: “We’re very grateful for the support from the Club. Things have picked up really quickly and now we’ve got this great occasion to look forward to. It is great for the girls.
“It’s a reward for them it’s also big for the Women’s game in Wales – it’s another chance to showcase what we can do to the Cardiff City fans. It’s exciting for us and our opponents, Briton Ferry.”
This will be the first time the stadium has hosted a domestic fixture since the 2017/18 FAW Cup final between Swansea and Cardiff, which the Swans won 2-1.
“It’s going to be a challenge for us all,” Derbyshire continued. “We’re very thankful to the league and S4C for allowing this to happen. Now we’ve got to go in and put in a performance.”
Cardiff will be hopeful of a win this time around. They are currently unbeaten in the league since March 14th and sit 3rd in the table.
How have players reacted
Blubirds’ top-scorer Phoebie Poole has expressed her excitement on Twitter: “Wow, this is huge for the women’s game. Add this fixture to your calendar, it’s going to be a good one.”
Poole, 16, has been on fire this season – scoring 12 times across all competitions in as many appearances for the club.
Cardiff’s upcoming opponents Briton Ferry have also taken to social media to convey their delight.
“What an incredible opportunity for women’s football, to not only play in a Championship stadium but for the match to be streamed live,” the official club Twitter account posted.
Another step in the growth of the WPWL
This season has seen the WPWL grow to heights never seen before. In October, Cardiff hosted Swansea for the first ever domestic women’s game to be broadcast live in Wales.
The league now eceives regular coverage from Sgorio, with highlights from one game a week broadcast on S4C.
This week also sees the second WPWL game to be broadcast live on national TV. Cardiff Met will host Swansea in a potential title decider.