Reading Women returned from an extended international break on Wednesday night as they faced off against West Ham United.

During that international break, Royals youngster Lily Woodham made a memorable senior debut for Wales as it was one the 20-year-old will never forget.

Woodham entered the fray against the Faroe Islands in a European Championships qualifier before heading home a debut goal in the 4-0 victory.

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She now hopes to bring the confidence gained away back to her time in Berkshire.

“The confidence I gained from camp and scoring has been amazing.

“It was a real boost.

“It’s now about having that belief that I can do it.

“It was an amazing feeling.”

The defender was one of five representatives for Reading in the Wales national team and Woodham explains how this has helped her develop as a player.

“It’s like we haven’t been away, it’s an easy transition from the club to our country when going with them.”

“We go together, we can debrief the Reading game before switching our minds to focus on our international games.”

During the last camp away, Wales manager and former Royals boss, Jayne Ludlow described Woodham as ‘technically one of the best players in the side’.

She featured as a number 10 over the last two games although naturally a left back.

“It’s incredible to get feedback like that, the girls I’m around on camp are so talented.

“The praise I have received from them and Jayne has been really motivating.”

Still only 20, and one of the youngest members of the Royals squad, Woodham remains grounded even after her strong international start as she looks to learn and develop herself going forward.

“At Reading, I get along with everyone.”

“The way experienced players handle themselves in interviews and around the place, I want to learn and be the same. It’s helped my game and helped me develop as a person as well as on the pitch.”

“They’re amazing to watch; how they speak, how they view things, it’s amazing to listen to.”

She first made the move to Berkshire as a 17-year-old from living in her native Cardiff.

“It was difficult to move from Cardiff, where my home is, I was playing for Bristol, but everything was in Cardiff. It was a huge move.”

“I knew Kelly [Chambers] from the Welsh set-up and Charlie Estcourt as well, I made friends really quickly.

“I lived with Charlie for two years and her family helped loads, I’m very grateful for them!”

“It was a new challenge.

“It was the opportunity to be a young player but with a top-level side in the senior setup!

“Now I’m still here and it’s amazing.”

Woodham made her Royals debut in 2018 replacing England’s most capped player, Fara Williams.

“In terms of the girls, I’m so settled. It’s a great environment to be in. The ‘older players’ make me feel part of the team. It’s a great set-up.”

After a loan spell with Charlton Athletic last season, Woodham returned to Reading to a host of new faces as well as a lot of departures.

“The chance to play 90 minutes was amazing to build my confidence. When I believe in myself, It gives me the momentum to try new things and have confidence in my own ability. This was the vital benefit I got from being out on loan.”

Woodham is now back with the Royals and tasted her first senior action of the season against her former side.

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“Playing against Charlton was hard; they were really excited. We went out to win, to do our best in the cup.”

A statement of intent rose when Madejski Stadium became the permanent home of the women’s side making Reading the first and only top tier side to share the same stadium for both the men’s and women’s sides.

“Being at Madejski is good.

“Adams Park was amazing but the central location in Reading was needed. We can have the connection with more people which comes with the easier access.”

“The move helps us, the great pitch, the changing rooms are amazing. We love being there.”

Although the move looks beneficial, the lack of fans at games has had its impact on the side.

“It’s crazy when there is nobody there, the ground feels quite empty. We have to build an atmosphere ourselves.

“It’s always harder to play without support.”

As well as using the stadium on matchdays, the women have been further integrated at the club with the use of both Hogwood and the new development at Bearwood.

“We have had the chance to use Bearwood.

"The pitches are insane.

"We’re currently training at Hogwood, the facilities are crazy to see.

"We’ve got a gym, meeting rooms, access to the analysis equipment etc, we get everything we need.”

“The staff are incredible. We have everything we need to better ourselves.

"We enjoy our time there and it really helps us by having that space. It really aids us to better our performances.”

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The Royals will need to up their game this season with a host of new arrivals in the Women’s Super League.

An array of ‘world-stars’ have made the move to England and it only gives opportunity to expand further.

“For the league, the players that have come over is massive. In terms of people watching, it’s a really competitive league, now they’ve added a little extra to that.

“What players like Rose Lavelle, Sam Mewis, Alex Morgan etc have achieved is phenomenal.”

Lily will hope to push on this season and make her mark on the side with the Royals facing Tottenham next on Saturday in the WSL, a game where Alex Morgan could make her debut in English football.