Welsh Ladies face league exit

Wales' sides risk falling behind the likes of Arsenal Ladies

BBC Wales can exclusively reveal that women's football teams face being kicked out of the English league by the FA, as it plans to set up an elite professional league by 2003.

Newport, Bangor, Barry and Cardiff all play in England at the moment.

The FA said in a meeting in December that it had no plans to include Wales' representatives in the proposed league, according to Karen Jones of Cardiff Ladies, leaving feelings amongst Welsh players running high.

"It is pretty upsetting for those who want to play at the highest level," said Jones.

We will be left behind if this goes through

  Karen Jones

There is now a worry that Wales' best young female players could be lured to play for English clubs.

"We are trying to support the international team with the best possible players, but they might have to select them from English clubs," Jones said.

The elite teams will be selected on facilities and number of junior clubs run amongst other criteria.

According to Jones, Cardiff Ladies' facilities are "second to none" and the club has over 100 children playing for it at junior levels.

"I feel all the clubs in Wales should put their heads together, because we will be left behind if this goes through," Jones said.