Swansea City were crowned Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League on Tuesday night following the conclusion of the league due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Josh Bunting caught up with Swans midfielder Emma Beynon to discuss her emotions on being crowned champions and qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Describing her feelings at the club becoming champions for the fourth time Beynon said “It feels great to be crowned champions, we’ve worked hard this season and it’s good to finally be rewarded for all the hard work that we’ve put in on and off the pitch”.
What made the achievement even more special for Swansea is the fact they went the full season unbeaten and sat four points clear of nearest challengers Cardiff Met.
Asked was it the best achievement of her career to date Beynon explained “I think so yes, I’ve enjoyed my football this season and I think that shows in the games”.
“The team morale is very high at the moment and it’s showing with the football that we are playing and the results that we had this season”.
The Swans enjoyed a near perfect record, winning 10 matches out of 11 and drawing one against South Wales rivals Cardiff City.
Asked about her highlight of the season she added ” My highlight was definitely the first game of the season away against Cardiff Met, we all knew it was going to be one of the hardest games of the season with them coming off their unbeaten season last year”
“To come away with the win definitely set us up for the season, the girls put in so much effort and I couldn’t have been happier to be able to captain the girls that game”.
With the title win, a place in the Champions League is secured and Beynon is very excited with the prospect of mixing it up with some of Europe’s finest teams “It means everything to be able to play in Champions League, it’s definitely one of the best competitions that I’ve played in as the standard of games are a different level”.
“I’m ready to work hard and hopeful we are able to compete against the best teams”.
As a footballer there is simply nothing better than winning your domestic league asked where the title victory ranks in her career to date she said “It’s definitely up there with one of the best achievements having previously won it before but this time it being unbeaten”.
“However it’s definitely bittersweet as we were unable to finish the season completely and celebrate as a team”.
Ian Owen has a good mix of youth and experience to call upon and when asked about her hopes and aspirations for the future at the Swans the talented Beynon explained ” My hopes are definitely to train hard and try to be able to compete in Champions League against the best teams”.
“I’m excited to get back and see the girls now, it’s probably the longest I haven’t seen them for”.
“The goal is definitely to try to maintain the standard that we’ve set this season and hopefully do the same if not better next season”.
Asked for her advice to any upcoming players the Swansea star ended by saying “Work hard and be patient, I know everyone says it but it’s that simple! It’s taken a few years for us to win the league and be unbeaten”.
