NATASHA Hill believes the World Cup represents a turning point in women’s game.

The 25 year old former Llanidloes Town midfielder is preparing for the new West Midlands League with Shrewsbury Town having joined the Shropshire club last year following a break from the game.

Hill is confident the Women’s World Cup in France can inspire a new generation to the sport.

Hill began her own career as 12 year old with hometown club Llanidloes Town and formed part of the Daffodils team which climbed to the Women’s Welsh Premier.

The Shrewsbury based midfielder remembers the time fondly.

“My proudest moment was playing for Llanidloes when we represented Wales at the Tesco Cup finals at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton,” said Hill. “It was with the Under 16s and we played against Manchester United.

“I will never forget that experience and such a small town playing against one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

.Hill represented Aberystwyth University and earned British Universities and Colleges caps before graduating in 2014 and opted to take a break from the game due to injury and attaining her ACA to become a Chartered Accountant.

With her sabbatical over the midfielder is relishing a pre-season with the Shrews.

“We have a full pre-season schedule ahead against teams such as Swansea City and West Brom, but personally I’m looking forward to playing against Llanfair United and Aberystwyth the most, because that local rivalry is still there.

“They are the games you get the best buzz from, even though they are friendlies,” said Hill

Hill also backed her club to be pushing for honours this season.

“I’m excited for the season ahead,” said Hill.”We had a very inconsistent season last year, but I’m confident we will be pushing for the top spots and have shown we can can compete.”

Meanwhile Hill hoped investment into the women’s game would filter to grassroots level to help build on the success of the World Cup in France.

“I’m excited to see how much the game grows over the next few years,” said Hill. “It’s so positive that the bigger clubs are now starting to put money into the women’s game and the coverage is improving.

“Hopefully this will filter all the way down to grassroots football, giving the next generation of female footballers the best opportunities.”

Hill added: “I’ve made some of my closest friends over the years through playing football, from Llanidloes to Aberystwyth and now at Shrewsbury.”