Rhian Williams | I'm eager to take on the challenge in the first team

Swansea City Women’s defender Rhian Williams is hungry for more minutes with the first team having made the step up from the under-19s during the 2023-24 season.

Williams made her senior debut back in October with a seven-minute cameo away at Aberystwyth Town, before playing 45 minutes away at Cardiff City in the south Wales derby.

The defender had been a mainstay in the Swans under-19s' backline throughout the campaign, and went on to make her first start for the firsts in the 1-1 draw with Aberystwyth, gaining minutes at left-back and centre-back across the final run-in.

Williams is delighted to have made the step up and hopes she can continue to establish herself during the 2024-25 campaign.

“It’s been a great experience for me to be around the first team,” said Williams.

“It’s been a challenge, stepping up from the under-19s is very different but it’s been a really enjoyable time.

“The girls have all been amazing and so supportive of me, and it’s all been really good to be a part of.

“Coming on in the south Wales derby was a challenge to say the least, but it really did test my abilities.

“I thought I gave a good account of myself and I handled the pressure well, it’s something that I’m eager to take on and go again.

“It was a very proud moment for me to make my first start, but it was even better for my Dad and my family, so that made the moment even better for me.

“It’s been a good season with the under-19s, it was a bit of a rocky road but we’ve stayed strong, so to then step up was definitely one of the highlights of my season and of my career so far really."

And Williams also praised the support she had from senior figures in the Swansea squad as she adapted to a new set-up and a new position.

“I’ve always played at centre-back, but I’ve really enjoyed the chance to play at left-back because I love to run, it’s really given me the ability to move up the field more so I could definitely see myself being a left-back.

“Ellie [Lake] has been a lot of help to me, Monet [Legall] as well, when I’ve been at centre-back they’ve been on my side and they’re just so encouraging and boosting my confidence when needed, but everyone has been so good.”