The preparations of Wrexham Women Football Club for the most important season in the team’s history continue as they embark on a trip to the Republic of Ireland prior to playing their first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League match later this month. Jenny Sugarman’s players will be in Cork for a week, and two pre-season matches have been scheduled as they prepare for their first-ever European experience that will start against Armenian champions FC Pyunik on July 22.
The trip to Cork does not merely constitute one more pre-season week; rather, it is an integral component of Wrexham’s build-up towards a campaign when the club will make its debut in Europe.
Having won the Genero Adran Premier league title last season, Sugarman’s side is about to experience another milestone, as the UEFA Women’s Champions League poses a whole new challenge.
Cork camp designed with Europe in mind
Wrexham are scheduled to play two games while they are in Ireland, with the first game set for Wednesday against Cork City at Bishopstown Training Ground.
The second match for Wrexham is against the Cork City Under-23 team on Friday at Midleton FC, with kick-off time set for 7.30pm in both games.
However, unlike other friendlies which simply pile on extra minutes in the legs, Sugarman says this tour is patterned after European competition.
“The tour will provide us with an opportunity to really shape this group ahead of the season. The time spent together will be so beneficial in developing our identity and setting our targets.”
Unity is just as critical as the football. This season sees the addition of a number of new faces, such as Natasha Thomas, and it gives the team the chance to develop chemistry away from the field of play as well.
Sugarman added one other reason for traveling to Cork.
“The week will also provide a good opportunity to replicate a turnaround in fixtures similar to the UEFA Women’s Champions League mini tournament, which will aid our preparations next month.”
This shows the importance that the team puts into playing their first game in European football. Unlike other teams who see the UEFA Champions League as just a one-off game, the club is planning for the specific nature of the tournament.
Historic European date draws closer
The countdown has now fully begun for July 22, when Wrexham host the Armenian champions, FC Pyunik in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
It will be yet another achievement in the impressive progression of Wrexham Women, a team that has risen from the ranks of amateur football to play in Europe within a few years.
As Sugarman added:
“We are looking forward to the games with Cork City. The players have been working hard towards these fixtures and building on the success of last season.”
Wrexham Women’s trip to Europe has already started. This trip to Ireland is just the next stop on the way to ensuring they will be prepared for the history awaiting them at the Racecourse.
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