Wales' Youngest Goalkeeping Trio Ready to Shine at Euro 2025

While Wales boasts some of the most capped players at Euro 2025, their goalkeeping unit stands out as the youngest in the tournament held in Switzerland.

Olivia Clark, aged 23 and playing for Leicester City, is the most experienced among the trio with 30 caps. Despite her youth, Clark has a wealth of experience, having transitioned from Sunday League football in Lincolnshire and part-time work at McDonald's to becoming a key player for Wales.

Poppy Soper, also 23, has been a regular at the Wales youth level but is yet to make her senior international debut. Born in Newport, Soper is eager to prove her worth on the big stage.

Safia Middleton-Patel, the youngest at 20, is already making waves as one of the brightest prospects in Welsh football. The Manchester United goalkeeper, with four caps to her name, brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the team.

A Unique Dynamic

Clark shared her thoughts on the unique dynamic within the group:

"It is unusual, but I wouldn't change it for the world. We've got a great group here. I'm a senior goalkeeper at 23, which is quite rare, and I've had to take on a different role."

Clark, expected to start in Wales' Euro 2025 opener against the Netherlands on June 5, emphasized the strong bond and mutual support among the trio:

"Even though we are young, we do have a lot of experience between us, less so at club level, but we've all been around camps and international football for a long time now. It is something different. We all support each other and know where each other is at in our careers. I think that is nice."

Building a Family

Middleton-Patel, who has openly discussed her autism, highlighted the close-knit nature of the group:

"We have really built together and come together as a team, but more as a family. Our week in Portugal for a warm weather training camp really brought us closer together, knowing each other on a personal level and enjoying being together."