Cardiff Met U19s make history with landmark UEFA Youth League run

Cardiff Met FC's under-19s made Welsh football history by becoming the first club from Wales to reach the second round of the UEFA Youth League, before their European campaign came to an end against Norwegian side Stabæk.

The Young Archers, led by head coach Jack Lyons, secured their place in the second round following a memorable 4-1 aggregate victory over Luxembourg's FC UNA Strassen.

A commanding 4-0 win at Cyncoed Stadium on 16 September gave Cardiff Met a significant advantage heading into the return leg. Despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in Luxembourg on 14 October, the result was enough to secure a historic progression in the competition.

Their reward was a second-round meeting with Norwegian side Stabæk, presenting another challenge for the academy players.

The step up in opposition proved difficult, with Stabæk securing an 8-0 victory in Norway on 28 October before winning 4-0 at Cyncoed on 4 November, ending Cardiff Met's campaign with a 12-0 aggregate defeat.

Despite the disappointing conclusion, the competition provided valuable European experience for the players and marked a significant milestone in the club's academy history.

Speaking ahead of the second-round home fixture, Cardiff Met player Harrison Matthews reflected on the challenge of competing against European opposition.

"Other teams train full time and it is a different level," said Matthews, describing the opportunity as "a great experience."

Teammate Karl Stenson-Browne also emphasised the importance of focusing on their own performance and enjoying the opportunity to compete on the European stage.

For head coach Jack Lyons, reaching the second round had been a target from the beginning of the campaign.

"Round 2 was the objective," he explained. "It's not very often the players get to experience it."

Lyons, who began his coaching journey while studying at university, also reflected on the progress of Cardiff Met's football programme.

"The Academy has developed a lot over the years," he said, highlighting the significance of representing both the club and its academy in European competition.

The campaign also brought European football to Cyncoed, with nearly 1,000 supporters attending the opening home victory against UNA Strassen.

Although the Young Archers' European journey ended in the second round, their achievement has established a new benchmark for Welsh clubs in the UEFA Youth League and provided the next generation of Cardiff Met players with experience on the European stage.