Swansea Teenager Joins U21 Arsenal Academy
Bethan McGowan who's been selected for the Wales senior camp started her football career playing for Mumbles Rangers.
Until recently, 16 year old Bethan played football for Port Talbot Town Ladies but a pre-lockdown trial led to her achieving a place at the Arsenal Academy in North London. She started her football career playing for Mumbles Rangers before moving to Penclawdd FC Boys and then Port Talbot Town Ladies.
Alongside club time, she played in the Wales U15 squad in Spain and the U17s Euro Elite round in Austria (playing girls two years older than her). The U17 Euro Qualifying round took place in November 2019 but unfortunately the next round was cancelled because of Covid-19.
Until the move to Arsenal, Bethan attended Olchfa School in Swansea and achieved top marks in all her GCSEs. She is continuing her education in a college affiliated to the Arsenal Academy.
Bethan said, "I’m thrilled to be offered a place at the Arsenal U21 Academy, it’s like a dream. And I’m humbled that Jayne Ludlow picked me for the Wales senior camp. I am very grateful for all the guidance I have received along the way and in particular how supportive my school were. Opportunities are increasing for female footballers and I hope that I can show other girls that if you work hard, you can make anything happen."
Swansea West MS Julie James is among those sending messages of congratulations to the 16 year old saying: "This is wonderful news for Bethan who I know is so committed to her football, here in Swansea, Port Talbot and now at the Arsenal U21 Academy.
"Bethan has been hugely committed and worked extremely hard to excel in the sport she has loved from an early age and she has now achieved this amazing position, not only in the Arsenal Academy but also her first senior international call up for Wales.
"The growth of girls' football in Wales has seen thousands flocking to clubs, and as we see a surge towards a target of 20,000 females playing football in Wales by 2024, we have to support every girl who wants to play in the right direction.
"There are so many ways for girls and women to join in, no matter what your age or ability level, whether you just want to have a kickabout with your mates or whether you want to be the next Bethan McGowan."