Angharad James-Turner Extends Contract with Lofty Goals for Second Half of the Season

Today, Reign FC announced the extension of midfielder Angharad James-Turner's contract through the 2027. The Welsh international recently returned from international duty with Wales, where the nation competed in the Euros for the first time.

James-Turner brings the same sense of steady leadership on the international stage as she does with the Reign. The 31-year-old was named the captain of the squad in 2024, taking on the responsibility of helping her Cymru teammates to find success in their greatest challenge yet.

James-Turner played a full 90 in all three matches and though Wales did not advance out of the group stage in the tournament, they unflinchingly navigated uncharted territory and changed the Welsh game forever.

“It was unforgettable,” shared James-Turner. “I think it was something that, as a group, we've worked really hard for many years and to finally achieve it was incredible. The Red Wall that followed us and continued to follow us out there, we had over 5000 fans and for a bit of context we usually only have 50 fans that travel away, so hopefully we've changed the game for the Welsh team and for the future. It was an experience that I always wished and hoped I would experience, but to finally get it over the line was incredible.”

This summer marks a massive personal achievement for James-Turner and her Welsh teammates, but also adds to the already vast skillset the midfielder brings the Reign, on and off the field. Playing against top competition from across the globe is no easy feat and provided some key learning that James-Turner plans to keep top of mind in her return to NWSL play.

“I think for me, it's just concentrating on my controllables. What I can do as an individual to be the best I can be for the team and whatever role that is in the second half of the season, just being the best I can be at it, continue to improve, work hard and never to give up. That was something that we spoke about away with Wales. Everything won't go smoothly, but it's how you deal with the setbacks and how you make it through.”

Now, she turns her mind to this Friday, August 1 as Reign FC resumes their NWSL campaign at home against Angel City FC, a west coast foe that Seattle is all too familiar with. The Reign are currently in sixth place in the NWSL standings – four points back of the Orlando Pride in second – and occupy one of the eight coveted playoff spots.

Before taking the month of July off from league play, momentum was rolling in favor of the Reign, as the team braved a three-match road stretch, fighting to earn seven of nine points and go unbeaten. Of course, it’s no secret that the Reign will look to not only replicate this success in the second half of the season but also improve upon it.

James-Turner played in 10 matches before departing for international duty, making nine starts. A stalwart in the center of the field, she has played the second-most minutes of any Reign midfielder.

“For this team, I think we've always spoke about goals and we've always, you know, set our own individual goals, but collectively as a team, something we spoke about is the playoffs and making sure that we reach the playoffs this year as a minimum standard, but also to continue the form that we've had, especially in the month of June. We had a good run of games and good performances and to carry that over for the second half of the season.”

With a total of 15 players joining their national teams at various levels in July and a couple of new additions to the roster, James-Turner is eager to get back into the swing of things with the Reign. Though no one can be certain what the second half of the season will bring, one thing is for sure – James-Turner and Seattle Reign FC are ready to fight for their spot in the 2025 NWSL playoffs and it starts this Friday, with Angel City.

“I'm really looking forward to being back with the group. We have a great group, a great squad here with a lot of competition and I'm really excited to see how far this group will go this season. We've definitely had a good start to the season and we've got a lot to improve on still, but it's exciting adventure here and there's no other place I'd rather be.”

Get tickets to see the Reign take on Angel City FC this Friday, August 1 at Lumen Field. The Reign continues its summer of soccer at Lumen Field on Monday, August 18 in all new Queen’s Match, honoring the legendary 1985 national team against Chicago Stars FC.