THE Mardy Tigers girl football club are celebrating the news of the selection of their record goal scorer and "Mardy Girl" Amy Thrupp for the Wales U19 squad.

Thrupp will travel to Portgual this week to take part in two friendly international, tailored to help Wales prepare for the UEFA U19's championships staged later this month.

The Tigers are enjoying yet another superb season - competing for the first time in all age groups from U10s all the way through to a senior team playing at Pilcs FC in Pontypool.

Tigers coach Wayne Jeremiah explained, "Amy is an inspiration to all the Tigers coming through the ranks at the club.

"Our "Tiglets" at U10s are increasing in numbers and are enjoying a tremendous season of weekly South Wales Girls league festivals as an introduction to the beautiful game.

"For the first time ever we've been able to enter two teams at U12s and both are sitting on top of their SWGL Divisions at present and looking to finish off the season in style.

"This season has also seen the introduction of the much needed Gwent Development Centre in Cwmbran and the Tigers have 15 members currently training and hoping to make the grade for FAW regional squad selections next season."

Jeremiah added, "Our U14s have been outstanding this season and are just three points away from claiming their league title. They also have a very special day to look forward to in April as they travel to Bridgend to take on Troedyrhiw U14s in The South Wales Tesco Cup final.

"Of course, having two Welsh U16 squad members such as Fiona Dodge and captain Shauna Pentney in their ranks has certainly helped make them the best team around at their age group."

Jeremiah also revealed, "Our U16's squad took a while to settle with several new players joining at the start of the season but a quarter-final in the Welsh Cup and hopefully a mid table finish won't be a bad season at all."

The coach wistfully added, "A senior team has always been a dream due to the fact that we needed a ground, and the Ladies section who are playing in Pontypool have been a revelation, losing just one game all season as they move towards the South Wales Women's League Division Two title at the first time of asking."

All in all it has been another great season for the Mardy Tigers and already they are setting their sights on next year when they'll celebrate their tenth anniversary.

Any players aged 6 - 10 wishing to join the Mardy Tigers mini section can contact Wayne Jeremiah for details on 01873 880915.