Cymru manager Jayne Ludlow has been awarded an MBE for her services to women’s football in Wales in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace today (Friday 14 February).

Jayne Ludlow MBE Playing debut v Republic of Ireland (1996)

Managerial debut v Bosnia-Herzegovina (2015)

Managed Cymru to their highest ever FIFA Women's ranking (29th)

Originally from Llwynypia, Ludlow played football for Barry Town Ladies, eventually joining Arsenal in 2000 where she spent 13 years of her playing career. At Arsenal Ludlow won the UEFA Women’s Cup as well as eleven league titles and six league cups. She was also voted the Football Associations Player’s Player of the Year three times between 2001 and 2004.

On the international stage, Ludlow won her first cap at the age of 17 against the Republic of Ireland. Ludlow scored 19 goals for Cymru and is part of an elite group of players that have reached more than 50 caps, having played 61 times for her country.

I'm honoured and humbled to get this recognition. I hope all those working alongside me are as proud of this as I am. I am very lucky to have been given so much help from our women's team staff and players over the last few years and as a group we are benefiting from loving the experience of working together as a national team. I hope all those who have helped me along the way from my days in Treherbert to the football clubs I have represented will enjoy this recognition too. – Jayne Ludlow

After retiring from playing, Ludlow turned to management, taking charge of Reading Women FC in the English WSL system. Ludlow then accepted the role of managing Cymru in 2014 and has led her country through their most successful period in the women’s game. Under Ludlow’s management, Cymru have broken into the top 30 of the FIFA women’s rankings for the first time. Her team have captured the hearts of the nation, with last year’s match against England attracting a crowd of more than 5,000, a new attendance record for the women’s game in Wales.