Grace Tilley | Senior debut is a huge achievement for me

Swansea City Women’s youngster Grace Tilley was delighted to make her senior debut for the club in their recent game against Barry Town United Women.

Tilley was introduced with 11 minutes to go of the goalless draw, stepping onto the field for the first team after spending 12 years with the club.

The 18-year-old, who at one point was coached by her now-captain Katy Hosford, was thrilled to get the opportunity and is determined to keep working to earn further chances.

“I’ve played for the Swans since I was young so it definitely felt like a great achievement just to get onto the pitch," said Tilley.

“It’s an opportunity that I’d always thought about ever since joining the team, so I was really chuffed that it could happen.

“It felt like all that hard work over the years had paid off and it was such a good experience to step onto the field with the girls.

“I have been with Swansea since I was about six years old, I just went down to a training session with the club and I’ve played with the team ever since then, I’ve always loved it.

“Katy Hosford used to coach me when I was younger, so to be on the pitch with her was really cool and it’s a really proud moment.

“All of the girls were incredibly welcoming, it’s scary to walk into that environment, but made me feel welcome in there.

“I just want to continue pushing on now, I want to get more minutes, keep giving everything I can and do the best that I can.”