Following the decision made by the Football Association of Wales to curtail the remainder of the 2019-20 season because of the Covid19 pandemic, Swansea City Ladies were crowned champions of the Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League for the fourth time.
The Swans’ women regained the domestic title from Cardiff Met, who were crowned champions in 2017-18 and 2018-19, to earn a place in the Uefa Women’s Champions League.
It’s the fourth time Ian Owen’s side have been crowned domestic champions since the league was established in 2009, also winning in 2010 and 2011.
The unbeaten Swans were four points clear of second-placed Cardiff Met at the top of the table with three games remaining when the Welsh Premier League campaign was suspended in March. No side was relegated from the league, although Cascade YC Ladies gained promotion.
The Swans enjoyed a near perfect record, winning 10 matches out of 11 and drawing one against rivals Cardiff City, the manager putting the season’s success down to the players’ determination and the positive attitude of the whole squad.
Although acknowledging they would have liked to have sealed the title on the pitch, Owen was full of praise for his players: “Everyone has worked hard all season to achieve this, so I am delighted for all the players and staff. We always set out to win every game we play in, so I thought winning every game could be a possibility.
“We have a great squad with a lot of ability who are also extremely determined. Our record this season was fantastic. With only three home games left we are more than happy with the outcome.”
The qualifying round mini-tournaments for the Women’s Champions League will be played between 7-13 October, with the Round of 32 games played on 11-12 and 18-19 of November this year.
The Round of 16 games are scheduled for 3-4 and 10-11 March 2021; the quarter-finals on 23-24 March and 31 March and 1 April. The semi-finals of the tournament will take place on 24-25 April and 1-2 May, with final on 16 May in Gothenburg.
The qualifying round draw will be held at the House of European Football in Nyon in the first week of September.
