The FAW presents an ambitious ten-year plan but asks for more
Why it matters
The 10-year plan presented by the FAW is crucial to the future of Welsh football, aiming to improve the performance of the men's national team and ensure greater participation at local level. With ambitious goals such as a return to the top 20 of the FIFA rankings, the success of the plan could significantly influence the growth of football in Wales, especially with future events such as FIFA WM 2026.
Context
The FAW's 'Llunio Cymru' plan focuses on measurable objectives and the expansion of football infrastructure, with the aim of improving conditions for players and national teams. Requesting government support is vital to achieving these goals and ensuring Wales can compete effectively at international level.
Key points
- The FAW presents an ambitious ten-year plan but asks for more.
- The FAW has presented a strategic plan for Welsh football, targeting more players, facilities and qualification for major tournaments, but is calling for more funding from the Welsh Government.
- FAW sets out ambition 10-year plan but says it needs more money - BBC Sport.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has launched a call for increased funding for Welsh football, whilst presenting an ambitious strategic plan for the next decade. The federation has expressed its intention to increase the number of players, improve facilities and ensure more qualification for major international tournaments by 2036. \n\nThe plan, called "Llunio Cymru", outlines various measurable objectives, including the return of the men's national team to the top 20 of the FIFA rankings. Among the highlights is the aim to ensure quality facilities are available within 15 minutes of every community, with a target of 100 new pitches or refurbished facilities by 2030. Noel Mooney, FAW chief executive, highlighted the need for greater support from the Welsh Government to develop these facilities and increase the number of registered players in Wales by 30%. “We need a lot more support,” Mooney said. "We are very clear about the growth of women's football and the need for proper facilities. We have spent over £30 million over the last four years building pitches across the country, but we still have a long way to go. Fortunately, our resources are increasing, which is good, but we really need more help from the Welsh Government and the 22 local authorities to make this happen." \n\nIn response, the Welsh Government has recognized the importance of high-quality sporting facilities to support football at grassroots and community level. “We are working with Sport Wales and other partners on a national audit of community and regional sports facilities,” a spokesperson said. “This initiative will help us target future investments where they can have the greatest impact.” The Government has already provided £13 million in funding for 2026-27 to improve facilities and expand opportunities for participation in sport. \n\nWhen it comes to elite football, the FAW aims to qualify for every other major tournament and reach the knockout stages of the co-hosted Euro 2028 and the Women's World Cup 2035. The federation wants 80% of the men's and women's national team players to be regular starters in the five major world championships, with the men's national team currently at 65%. One plan to achieve this includes the introduction of two elite category club academies in the country, recognizing the decline in talent produced for the men's national team following Swansea City's loss of category one status. \n\nThe FAW has also developed a tracking system for dual-qualified players and continues work on national academies for women's football. However, the goals are underpinned by a long-term focus on increasing the number of people playing the game. The FAW had already set targets in 2021, including qualifying for the 2022 men's World Cup and the 2025 women's European Championships, both of which they achieved. They also increased the number of registered players, from 80,000 to 120,000, and now aim to reach 160,000, doubling the number of registered women and girls to 40,000. Increasing the number of players will help improve the level of play and promote the health of the nation, with the need for more facilities remaining crucial. Projects in the 100 most disadvantaged and diverse communities will be a priority, as will a 50% increase in priority access to camps for women and girls. A specific strategy for women's football will be launched next month and will include a doubling of investment. \n\nAccording to a recent review, the cost of providing the necessary facilities in local authority areas is estimated at £150 million. Mooney said increased revenue from FIFA following the 2026 World Cup and expected revenue from co-hosting the 2028 Euros had helped the FAW achieve revenues of around £50 million. However, he hopes the Welsh Government's next budget, the first since Plaid Cymru's election success earlier this year, will lead to increased investment in infrastructure projects. The FAW has secured funding from the UK Government for some of its plans, but Mooney believes the Welsh Government needs to do more, calling the current £13 million spend "a drop in the ocean of what we need to get there." "We have confidence. We have had many discussions with the new government and they have given us all the signs that we are going in the right direction," he added. Mooney stressed that football's role in preventative health is critical, and said allocating more resources was "an obvious choice." Other key objectives include ensuring every match above under-12 level has a qualified, neutral referee, reducing youth dropout by 50% and increasing the number of qualified coaches by a third, as well as getting the Cymru Premier's average attendance above 1,000.
What happens now
The FAW plans to intensify its dialogue with the Welsh Government to obtain the funds needed to implement the 'Llunio Cymru' plan. If the funding requests are accepted, an increase in sports facilities and an increase in the number of registered players is expected, contributing to the sustainable growth of football in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the FAW present?
The FAW has presented an ambitious ten-year strategic plan called 'Llunio Cymru', also calling for greater financial support.
Who confirmed the need for more funds?
Noel Mooney, chief executive of the FAW, confirmed the need for greater support from the Welsh Government.
Why is it important to ask for more funds now?
It is important to ask for more funding now to develop adequate facilities and increase the number of players registered in Wales by 30%.
What changes does the FAW plan include?
The plan includes increasing the number of players, improving facilities and aiming to qualify for more international tournaments by 2036.
What are the specific objectives of the 'Llunio Cymru' plan?
Among the objectives are the return of the men's national team to the top 20 of the FIFA rankings and the creation of 100 new pitches or renovated facilities by 2030.
