NIA Davies has been confirmed as the new manager of the Wales women under 19s national team.

The former Ysgol Hafren and Caereinion High School pupil from Sarn, near Newtown makes the step up from managing the under 17s squad.

A footballer since she was seven, Davies spent time playing in America before coming home to do a sports science degree while studying for her coaching badges, which eventually led her to Swansea City and then made history as the first ever female to land a head of coaching role in the Cymru Premier when she joined Penybont.

Since she has worked through the age grades of the Welsh set up from under 15 to under 19.

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Davies said: “It’s an honour to represent Wales in any age group and obviously I did it with the under 17s for two years, but it means a lot to be with the under 19s now.

“This age group is where you can prepare players for the step to the seniors so it’s a really big opportunity to progress the players and prepare them as much as we can for that.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the players in the 17s so I know them very well and I’ll be moving up with them. 

“A lot of the players have come through the academy programme as well, so it’s good that I know them but it’s important that I keep things fresh.

“We want to keep pushing and challenging the players because the standard gets higher as the age group gets higher, so we won’t get complacent in our environment.”

Davies follows in the footsteps of fellow former Newtown Football Club player Lauren Smith who went on to senior national team coaching roles.