Chard Looks Ahead To Life As Nomads Captain

Four seasons after joining Connah’s Quay Nomads Women as a young prospect, Evie Chard is now preparing to lead the side as captain into a new chapter for the club.

Chard will lead a talented Nomads side into the 2026/27 Genero Adran North, with a blend of experience and youth set to provide an exciting foundation for the season ahead. The 24-year-old will be supported by 18-year-old forward and Connah’s Quay local Hannah Slack, who has been appointed vice-captain.

Chard has enjoyed a successful period with the club since her arrival in 2023, lifting back-to-back Genero Adran North titles, earning consecutive places in the league’s Team of the Season and winning the NEWFA Women’s Cup in her first campaign, where she scored her first goal for the club in memorable fashion in that exact final by finding the net from the halfway line in a 5-0 victory over Airbus UK Broughton. 

There have also been moments of frustration, with Chard featuring in two Promotion Play-Off finals where the Nomads were narrowly edged out by Pontypridd United and Cardiff Met. However, the highs have far outweighed the lows, and Chard will now look to draw on those experiences as she takes on the responsibility of leading a young group, while maintaining the high standards that have helped make the team so successful this decade. 

“It was an honour to be asked to captain this side, especially going into my fourth season at the club,” said Chard. “I have been here a few years now and I feel like I have really grown with the group, so to be given that responsibility means a lot.

“For me, being captain is about leading by example, both on and off the pitch. It is about working hard, helping the team and making sure everyone feels involved. I want to be someone the team can rely on and hopefully bring a bit of reassurance when it’s needed.

“When I first joined, I was probably quieter and focused on learning from the more experienced players and staff. Now I feel more comfortable taking responsibility and hopefully helping the team, especially the younger players coming through.

“At the end of the day, it is all about the whole group. The girls that have stuck together are the ones who have allowed me to grow in the team so I owe it to them to be a good captain. We have got a really good squad, and I look forward to us having another season of playing together.”

Chard was appointed captain by new manager Andy Griffiths, who leads the team’s new era following his successful spell with Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham’s U19 squad. 

Griffiths’ first competitive match in charge will commence on Sunday, 5 September as the Nomads travel to face Wrexham Foresters at Stansty Park in the Genero Adran Trophy group stage (2pm KO). 

Listen to our full interviews with the new Nomads Women's First Team management structure by visiting the YouTube link below. You can hear comments from Griffiths, new assistant Aimee Redfern, Director of Women's Football Chris Redfern and U19 coach Craig Rogers.

https://youtu.be/ivweGpx_nsw?si=3IMOR6OsiiUyFcLr 

With Griffiths now at the helm, Chard will lead a squad which combines familiar faces with a number of promising new additions. Teenagers India Bo-Evans, Tillie Ashworth and Sienna Perry arrive having previously worked with Griffiths at Wrexham, while goalkeeper Faye Moseley brings further experience to the group. Young prospects Non Williams and Seren Cashen have also joined the squad, adding further youth to an already ambitious side.

“Andy has brought strong standards to the team,” said Chard. “He has been very clear about what he expects from us, both individually and collectively, and he has created an environment where young players feel they can express themselves but also understand the responsibility that comes with it. 

“There is plenty of enthusiasm bouncing around and we are ready to start playing together again, getting back to what we enjoy. 

“It is still early days, and we know there is plenty of work ahead, but there is a genuine belief within the squad. We are excited about what we can build together and, hopefully, we can turn that energy into performances on the pitch.”

The Promotion Play-Off final defeat to Pontypridd United two seasons ago proved to be an important learning experience, with the Nomads responding by going invincible in another Genero Adran North campaign and securing a second consecutive league title. Chard played her part in that success, helping the side keep seven clean sheets throughout the campaign.


The Nomads again fell short in the Promotion Play-Off final last season, losing to Cardiff Met on penalties, but Chard believes those experiences can now be used to their advantage as she takes on the captaincy and helps guide a new-look squad through another exciting period.


“There is a real togetherness around the group at the moment. We are still a young squad and there are some new faces, but being young doesn’t mean that they are not experienced. Most of these girls have played amongst very experienced teams and players, meaning they bring more than just young talent. There is a lot of energy and excitement around the place to get going and importantly, everyone seems willing to work for each other.


“We have been stronger than ever as a team for the last two seasons. The things that motivate us as a group are going two seasons unbeaten in the league and winning the league back to back. The play off finals have been more games of football for us to learn from and to add to our experience. We are ready for them to come around again and face it together as a group.''

Date Published: Saturday, 5th September, 2026 - 9:45pm by Adam Angerer