Lili Jones hails Wrexham women's first European tie as massive

Midfielder Lili Jones, who has logged more than 100 appearances for Wrexham women's team, says the club's first foray into European competition will be "massive". Wrexham will meet FC Pyunik of Armenia in the UEFA Women's Champions League on 22 July, marking the Welsh side's debut on the continental stage.

The tie against FC Pyunik forms part of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Champions League. Both clubs will contest a semi‑final match on 22 July as the opening fixture of a mini‑tournament.

Wrexham's men's side previously featured in eight Cup Winners' Cup campaigns before becoming ineligible for European representation after 1995. That year marked a 31‑year gap since the last appearance of the men's team in continental competition.

Lili Jones told Wales, "For the lads, it was 31 years since they played in Europe." She added that achieving the same milestone as a women's side is "massive" and that the squad is eager to compete.

Should Wrexham defeat FC Pyunik in the semi‑final, they will face either Glentoran of Northern Ireland or Riga FC of Latvia in the final. The final is scheduled for 25 July, while the venue for the mini‑tournament has yet to be confirmed.

Wrexham secured their place in Europe by winning the Genero Adran Premier for the first time in club history last season. The championship victory granted the Welsh champions automatic qualification for the UEFA Women's Champions League.

Reflecting on pre‑season preparations, Jones said, "We've worked hard over the off‑season and we're back in full swing now." She noted that the squad feels fit and ready for the upcoming European fixtures.

Wales international defender Maria Francis-Jones joined Wrexham from The New Saints in February, after spells at Manchester City, Burnley and Sheffield United. She declared, "We're not there to just fill up the numbers – we are there to compete," emphasizing a winning mindset for the European campaign.