The wheels of change are speeding up in Welsh women’s football with two clubs announcing they are preparing for squads of professional players for next season.

Wrexham were first to announce plans for 10 of their players to take up semi-professional contracts in the Genero Adran Premier next season.

A few days later, Cardiff City revealed they were also going to pay their players when they defend their Genero Adran Premier title later this summer.

“We are delighted to be able to offer semi-professional contracts to our full senior squad,” said Cardiff women’s and girls’ head Iain Darbyshire.

“This is a huge moment for the women’s game in Wales, and something that we can be massively proud of.”

Cardiff won the double last season, winning the FAW Women’s Cup to go with their league title.

This weekend they will learn who their opponents are in the UEFA Women’s Champions League draw.

“We believe that our players deserve to be recognised and rewarded for their hard work and commitment over previous seasons, and this announcement is the first step in doing so,” added Darbyshire.

“We are now training three times a week, regularly playing in front of large crowds and seeing significant increases in commercial revenue and it’s only right the commitment from our players to perform at the top level is rewarded and recognised.

“I would like to thank our operational staff, the board, and club directors for their support in delivering these contracts.

“The focus now turns to deciding our final squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Champions League, where we will be aiming to represent Wales with pride, and the upcoming exciting 2023/24 Adran Premier campaign.”

Wrexham had already come to the party with their announcement they would be rewarding their players for promotion to the Welsh women’s top flight, by handing out 10 semi-pro deals.

Wrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watched their women’s side at the Racecourse Ground last season and have now decided to pour in more funds.

Wrexham’s head of women’s operations, Gemma Owen said: “This is an historic moment, not just for the football club but for women’s football in North Wales and shows just what young girls in our region can aspire to.

“All 10 players signed up so far have proved themselves on and off the pitch, not just as fine footballers but as great role models too and are fitting pioneers.”