Jess Foy says Glentoran are relishing the opportunity to test themselves on the European stage as they prepare to face Riga FC Women in the semi-final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League first qualifying round on Wednesday (kick-off 1pm).
With new signing Naomi McLaughlin joining the squad following her arrival from Aberdeen Women, the reigning Women’s Premiership champions travel to Wrexham looking to embrace another landmark moment in the club’s history after becoming the first women’s team from Northern Ireland to earn seeded status in Champions League qualifying.
Foy believes the trip offers the perfect opportunity for the squad to spend valuable time together, build momentum and showcase what they are capable of on the European stage.
“First and foremost, we have an important game against Riga, but I think the time away together will be really good for us,” said Foy.
“European football is something we all worked incredibly hard to earn last season so we’re excited to have the opportunity to test ourselves again. We’ve enjoyed so much success together over the last few years because we’ve built high standards within the squad and those standards haven’t changed.
“We know the quality we have in this group and we’re confident in what we’re capable of. It’s about continuing to work hard every day, demanding the best from each other and making sure we perform to the levels we expect of ourselves.
“Spending this time together has come at a good time. It gives us the chance to work on things on the training pitch, but just as importantly to enjoy being together as a group. We’ve had some really positive conversations with the coaching staff, everyone is pulling in the same direction and there’s a real excitement about the challenge ahead. We can’t wait to get out there against Riga, represent the club in Europe and show what we’re capable of.”
Latvian champions Riga arrive in Wrexham in outstanding form after winning four trophies last season and making an unbeaten start to their domestic campaign.
The winners of Wednesday’s semi-final will progress to Saturday’s final against either Welsh champions Wrexham Women or Armenian title holders FC Pyunik Women, with a place in the second qualifying round at stake. Glentoran have previous experience of facing Pyunik having beaten the team from Yerevan in 2024.
Foy knows the challenge ahead is significant, but insists the squad are embracing the opportunity to measure themselves against one of Europe’s in-form sides.
“You know you are always going to be up against tough opposition in Europe, so we know how difficult it is going to be,” said the experienced defender.
“They are a very good side. They won four trophies last year, are currently top of their league with 11 wins out of 11 and have scored 90 goals conceding only two. So we know the scale of the task ahead of us, but we are determined to give a good account of ourselves.
“We didn’t work hard all last season to win the league and qualify for Europe just to write off the first qualifying game. This is a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against good opposition and see where we are at.
“Also, we want to come away from this time away in a better place for our domestic campaign as we have a lot of important games coming up and we want to be able to hit the ground running.”
McLaughlin, who joined the club from Scottish Women’s Premier League side Aberdeen earlier this week, adds further quality to Kim Turner’s squad ahead of the European campaign and could make her competitive debut in Glentoran colours in Wrexham.
The tournament will be staged at Stok Cae Ras, with Wednesday’s winners advancing to Saturday’s final and the beaten sides contesting the third-place play-off. Glentoran will be aiming to continue making history as they represent Northern Ireland on the European stage.
