The girl from Barry who grew up to be world class
Sophie Ingle is poised for another landmark in a stellar career as Wales go to Albania in Women's World Cup qualifying.
Only Jess Fishlock has won more Wales caps than Sophie Ingle [FAW] She is Helen Ward's "favourite footballer in the world" and would be the first player selected in Angharad James' all-time Wales team. Kath Morgan, meanwhile, describes her as the "little Welsh girl from Barry" who grew up to be world class. Sophie Ingle is poised to win Wales cap number 150 when Rhian Wilkinson's team take on Albania in a Women's World Cup qualifier in Elbasan on Saturday.
As Ingle reaches another landmark in her storied career, those who have worked and played alongside her are unanimous in their praise for her contribution to the Welsh cause. "I remember her when she first went up to London [to join Chelsea], committing herself to playing with world-class players," says former Wales captain Morgan. "But [former Chelsea boss] Emma Hayes will tell you, by the end of her time there, Sophie was that world-class player.
"She's Welsh, she's come from us and she's ours. We couldn't be more proud. " 'My favourite footballer in the world' Ingle has come a long way since beginning her junior career with Vale Wanderers, a boys' team in Barry.
She was forced to give up the sport when aged 12 because Football Association of Wales (FAW) rules meant she could no longer play with the boys. Thankfully for Welsh football, Ingle returned to the pitch when her Vale Wanderers coach set up a girls' team when she was 14. She then played for Dinas Powys Ladies and Cardiff City Ladies before joining Chelsea for the first of two spells in 2012.
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