A former assistant coach for the Football Association of Wales has been named the new head coach of England's women under-19s.
Lauren Smith, who is from Newtown, will begin her new role in October, having spent three years as Bristol City FC's head coach.
During her time with the Robins, she led the team to the 2022/23 Barclays Women’s Championship title, earning them promotion back to the top flight.
Smith, who also worked as an assistant coach for Tottenham Hotspur, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
She will take charge of the Young Lionesses from October.
As well as being a UEFA Pro Licence holder, Smith has extensive experience in player development.
She spent more than three years working with Wales’ WU17 and WU19 squads and was the technical director of Bristol City’s youth programme.
She said: "It’s a huge honour to be joining The FA.
"There’s never been a more exciting time to join the England pathway with more and more players transitioning through to the senior team.
"Nurturing young talent has always been one of my favourite elements of coaching and I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to guide the next generation on their journeys to becoming Lionesses.
"It’s going to be a really exciting season with the ambition of qualifying for another European finals.
"I’m grateful to Kay Cossington for the opportunity and can’t wait to meet the players and staff."
England women's technical director, Kay Cossington, said: "We are so pleased to confirm Lauren as the new head coach of the WU19s.
"Her record and experience in player development speaks for itself.
"She knows exactly what it takes to get young players performing under pressure to the best of their abilities.
"We are thrilled to be able to appoint a head coach with invaluable experience in both the Barclays Women’s Super League and international football.
"I’m sure her arrival will give an instant positive boost at the start of what promises to be another exciting season for our Young Lionesses."
The 2024/25 season will see Smith’s side bid for a place in the 2025 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship finals, which will be held in Poland next summer.
Qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup will also be up for grabs as part of the tournament.
Last month, Sarn-raised Nia Davies was confirmed as the new manager of the Wales women under 19s national team.
A footballer since she was seven, she made the step up from managing the under-17s squad.
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