Champions League opposition come to Exeter on Sunday, July 13, as Cardiff City Women take on the Grecians in a first pre-season fixture of the summer for Abbie Britton's side.
There's also a chance to join us post match back at St James Park for a live screening of England v Wales in Women's Euro 2025!
It's been a busy summer in EX4 as Britton builds her squad for a second season in the third tier, with four players already in the door ahead of the first warm-up clash. New signings Fearne Slocombe, Georgia Vaccaro and Ellie Sara could all feature for the first time in the match, which takes place at Exwick Sports Hub at 2.30pm*.
*Please note the earlier kick-off time from the previously advertised 3pm.
The match will act as a prelude to the Bluebirds' UEFA Women's Champions League campaign which begins at the end of July when they face Irish side Athlone Town in the qualifying round.
Tickets
Tickets are just £5 for adults and £3 for concessions on the gate at Exwick, payable by cash or card.
But why not make it a full day of cross-border derby action by joining us at St James Park after the match for a live screening of England v Wales in UEFA Women's Euro 2025?
For just £15 for adults and £12 for concessions you get:
- Entry to City Women v Cardiff
- Watch-along of England vs Wales in the Heritage Lounge at St James Park
- Pizza buffet at SJP
- Prize-winning football quiz with the players
- Exclusive raffle featuring signed merchandise and other giveaways!
Tickets for the match and watch-along are now on sale via your online ticket account, or in person at St James Park or by calling 01392 411 243.
Match-only tickets are only available on the gate at Exwick.
The Opposition
Champions of Wales by ten points in 2024-25 to secure a third straight league title, Iain Derbyshire brings his Cardiff to side to Devon as they prepare for another season of Champions League football. In a campaign that saw them lose just two matches in the regular season, striker Ffion Price led the league scoring charts with 12 goals.
Other threats for the Welsh side come in the form of defender Shannon Evans who was nominated for league Player of the Season, and won the club's Player and Player's Player awards, as well striker Fiona Barry who was nominated for league Young Player of the Season and won the club's same award having scored nine goals in 20 appearances.
As well as securing the league title, the Bluebirds also had success in domestic cup action, lifting the Welsh Cup for a fourth straight season with victory over Wrexham at Rodney Parade in April.
By far currently Wales' strongest outfit, Cardiff City will provide a stern test for the Grecians in a competitive pre-season schedule.
A Word from the Boss
Abbie Britton gave a general overview of the team's pre-season schedule in an official interview with the club earlier this week:
"A fourth place finish last season was phenomenal from us, but we have to go out there and prove to everyone that we're not just one season wonders," she said.
"There are some very talented players in this squad who are going to kick on, and the players we have brought in this year have got bags of potential so hopefully we can unlock that and give them the tools to do that in training and bring success to what is already a fantastic squad.
"We are not a big squad though so we need to make sure we can physically meet the demand of this league and we'll do lots of work on that. The friendlies will allow us to adapt and adjust things from last season so we need to make sure we have a plan A, B and C.
"The Cardiff friendly will be a great way to show off football in the south-west, and even better that it's England v Wales on the pitch here and then in the Euros after - hopefully the fans can come out in their numbers and join us!"
Hear more from Abbie:
Exwick Sports Hub
A familiar venue to Women's players and supporters alike, the match will be hosted at Exwick Sports Hub, EX4, 2BQ. There are standing and seated options at the Hub, and supporters are welcome to use either, however seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
A reminder to supporters that where possible, public transport should be taken where possible. Parking is unavailable at the venue, so please do park considerably and take note of permit restrictions in the surrounding streets.
The Weather
It's due to be an incredible day to get out and watch some live football on Sunday, with temperatures in the sunny south west due to be in the mid-20s by kick-off! Supporters are encouraged to bring water, hats and suncream with them. Shaded areas inside the sports hub are available, however many of the viewpoints for the game will be in sunlight.