Maddy Murray | This is an opportunity I am determined to make the most of

Maddy Murray is raring to go and ready to make the most of her opportunity with Swansea City after joining the club on a semi-professional contract.

The 17-year-old joins the Swans following a short trial spell, having played last season as part of the FAW Girls’ Academy.

The versatile Murray offers first-team manager Jamie Sherwood side a variety of positional options having played in a wide range of positions in her short career to date.

Murray became involved in the FAW set-up following an impressive season with Cardiff Wanderers Under-16s, netting 39 goals across 16 games in the 2021-22 campaign.

In addition to her involvement with the FAW Girls’ Academy, Murray has also been a part of the Wales Under-19s side, having featured three times for the young Dragons since debuting in February.

Murray, who has played most frequently in midfield, featured in the Swans’ friendly against Bridgwater as a centre-half, and she insists she will be happy to play wherever needed as she looks to make the most of the chance to become semi-professional.

“This is something that I’ve been working towards for a long time,” said Murray.

“My journey in football has been up and down, but I think now is the right time for me to make this move with the Swans, and I’m over the moon to be signing.

“I’ve known Jamie for a little bit and he’s an amazing coach. We’ve all got on so well as a group, and his style of training is something that will definitely help us this season. It’s been intense, but I definitely think it’s what we need to push on and win titles.

“All of the girls have been amazing with me, one of the main reasons I chose to come to Swansea was that, from the first training session, the squad were all incredibly welcoming. They are all amazing characters in this team, and I think together we work so well.

“I see myself fitting in here and I’m glad that everyone has been so welcoming to me.

“I can play in defensive roles and more attacking roles, it depends on the game and the players around me and how we suit each other, I will play wherever I am needed to help the team.

“I’ve played many positions, centre back, defensive midfield, central midfield, as a 10, and a little bit at striker as well.

“I would say I’m strong, my passing is one of my key attributes, but I think there is still a lot of work to be done here at Swansea and hopefully I can work on any weaknesses and develop my strengths.”

Murray feels she has settled in well with her teammates, having received a warm welcome, and she is hopeful of helping the Swans get back to silverware-winning ways.

“It’s nice to have had the chance to train with the girls and see them in a game situation, I’ve watched them on television in the past, but to actually be in the game is a lot different,” she added.

“The girls’ support is unreal, when I’m on the ball and when I’m off the ball, I think that really helped me get into the game and gain confidence through the game when I played in the friendly.

“Seeing how the Genero Adran Premier has improved from even a couple of years ago is amazing and the girls deserve that. 

“To now have that competition for young girls to watch growing up, that’s really important.

“We all have the desire to go and win and we 100 per cent can, we look strong and we are all confident that we can achieve things this season.”