TWO Barry Town United Ladies FC players, Grace Horrell and Caitlin Bevan, have been selected to represent the Wales Under-17 international squad for three European qualifiers in October.

The squad will fly out to Latvia on September 27, to play three matches against Germany, Turkey and the host nation, Latvia.

Both girls currently play in the under-16 age group at Barry Town and their year's of dedication and hard work is now paying off with recognition on the international stage at a major tournament.

Grace, a powerful and explosive striker started out aged nine at Cardiff City Ladies before moving to Vale Ladies and Girls FC in July 2015 who subsequently became Barry Town for the new season. She has represented the Cardiff and Vale County squad for the last three seasons scoring a handful of goals and progressed into international football 12 months ago representing Wales at under-15 level in the home nations Bob Docherty tournament in April this year.

Caitlin, a hard working box to box midfielder, started out at Cyncoed Girls as well as representing Thornhill for a season before joining Vale in July 2014. Again, she has represented the county squad for three seasons as well as winning the Welsh Schools Tournament with Cardiff High in 2015.

Their achievements just emphasise the opportunities available in the female game which is growing at a rapid pace. Barry Town itself currently has just under 200 female players aged from seven through to senior ladies and is the largest club provider of girl’s football in Wales at present.

Club chairman, Luke Williams commented: “This is fantastic news for both Grace and Caitlin who I have been fortunate to both coach and watch them develop over a number of years and their recognition is thoroughly deserved. They are both dedicated young athletes which the club are extremely proud of and they set a great example to all our younger aspiring players showing what can be achieved with the right attitude and dedication.”

To find out more information on how to get involved in girls football with the club, please visit btuladies.co.uk, email btuladies@gmail.com or call 07772 022435.