A POWYS teenager is celebrating after earning a call up to the Welsh women’s football squad.

Chloe Edwards from Builth Wells has been included in the under 15s squad which will take on Slovenia, Croatia and Poland over the course of a month starting on August 21st.

It is hoped the youngster can emulate the careers of past teenagers to emerge as part of the women’s squad who hailed from Powys.

Proud father Simon said: “We are obviously very proud of Chloe, her hard work, commitment and love for football have got her to here, to represent your country at anything is a huge achievement.”

The youngster has come a long way since beginning her journey as a six year old with her hometown club.

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Simon said: “Chloe started out playing football with Builth Wells Junior FC where she thoroughly enjoyed her football.

“Her determination playing against boys and with boys was great for her with an excellent coach in Shane Price.

“At a later date she also played for Llandrindod Wells girls in various age groups. Chloe currently trains and plays at South Wales Academy based at University of South Wales Sports Park, training twice a week and a game on a Sunday as well as training at home with her older brothers.”

Edwards is the second generation of footballer from Powys looking to climb through the ranks to the first team as Wales seek an elusive place in a major finals for the first time having gone close in the past two qualifiers.

Powys has produced a host of players for the Welsh junior ranks over the past decade while Carrie Jones from Newtown and Llanidloes’ Maria Francis-Jones progressed to the senior squad with both since going onto enjoy club careers in England.

Players from across Wales are coached at one of two regional football coaching centres which means players from Powys must embark on weekly long treks to either with no such centre existing between Wrexham and Newport.

The midfielder from Builth Wells is a member of the southern academy which produced Jones, Francis-Jones and current Aberystwyth Town player Libby Isaac.

Powys was also the home of former Wales assistant manager Lauren Smith prior to joining Bristol City.

Powys continues to develop top talent for the national team despite a massive lack of facilities and lack of a regional league.

Only Welshpool and Berriew operate in the north of the county while Penybont and Hay St Mary’s run sides in the Herefordshire League.