Progress against strategic objectives

Reached the second play-off stage in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 qualifiers.

Retained Group A status in U19s UEFA Nations League.

At least 25 competitive games per academy team with 4 against boys’ academy teams.

The senior men’s team qualified for our first FIFA World Cup in 64 years. The men’s team currently play in Group A of the UEFA Nations League.

Following the World Cup, the focus will turn to qualification for UEFA EURO 2024.

Investment in resources to ensure that our senior men’s and women’s matches are memorable fan experiences.

The impact of the Red Wall is hugely important to Rob Page, Gemma Grainger and all players.

Our average attendances continue to increase, and the match day experience has captured the imagination of the Welsh nation.

Undertaking research where ticket buyers can provide feedback on their match day experience.

Committed to improving the standard of the Cymru Premier League and competitiveness in UEFA club competitions, the FAW will commission an independent root and branch review of the League.

This season, TNS lost in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round to Linfield.

Newtown reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League whilst Bala Town lost in the first qualifying round to Sligo Rovers.

A new competition structure allowing for best v best matches at the end of the season to better prepare our champion club for UWCL success.

In year one of the re-structure and new format, there were three different winners across Adran Trophy, FAW Cup and Adran Premier and three teams fighting relegation on the last day of the season.

Swansea City Ladies have been drawn in Group 2 and will play Greek side PAOK. The winners will then play the winners of Ferencvaros and Rangers for a place in the second round.

The FAW continues to liaise with UEFA, the Welsh Government and other stakeholders, with regard to assessing the feasibility of submitting a bid to host another UEFA Club Final.

Following a comprehensive feasibility study, the FAW, along with the FA, SFA, FAI and IFA, decided not to pursue a bid to stage FIFA World Cup 2030.

The 5 National Association are currently finalising a bid to host UEFA EURO 2028, which if successful, will deliver a lasting legacy for football in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The bid will be submitted in November this year and a decision is expected to be made by UEFA in September 2023.

The FAW continues to liaise with UEFA, the Welsh Government and other stakeholders, with regards to assessing the feasibility of submitting a bid to host a UEFA National Teams final tournament.

The FAW is currently assessing the available conference options and will appraise how these can benefit Welsh football.

Coach Educator Development Case Study Wales - Baku (March 22)

Qualified to UEFA B | A | UEFA Pro Licence - Engaged following current former players onto our courses - Jess Fishlock, Natasha Harding, Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor, Chris Gunter, Joe Allan, Sam Vokes, Andrew King, Andrew Crofts, Mathew Jones.

Started a new UEFA B | UEFA A Former International Players Course 2021-2022.

• Cheryl Foster was selected as a match official at UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and officiated the Semi-Final between Germany and France.

By focusing on the delivering of its strategic objectives, improving football for all, and regularly qualifying for tournament finals, the profile of Welsh football will continue to improve.

First full season post COVID with no significant COVID-19 disruption.

Significant growth in registered male and female players across all age groups.

Growth in the number of club officials and coaches with some growth in the number of officials.

Removal of registration fees for current players signed during the 2020/21 season.

Access to free courses for new coaches and over 300 new coaches recruited.

4 months of Free Fun Football which attracted over 5,000 participants.

New small-sided football regulations were developed and implemented for the first time during the 21-22 season.

Review of disability football provision completed with new disability festival series launched.

Recreational football programme launched across South Wales with 6 recreational football hubs and a Friday Night Football league established for teenage players.

21 Fun Football providers introducing children 5-11 across Wales.

1,789 attendances, 791 unique participants, 20% girls, 59% non-club members and 92% new to Fun Football from 28th of March to 24th of April 2022.

64 Huddle providers now running with 1,023 unique participants and 3,758 attendances.

New partnership agreement established with Welsh Schools FA to support the delivery of a new intra-school and inter-school programme of activity for secondary school pupils.

6 Footie Families providers established to utilise the power of football to develop physical literacy skills amongst children aged 2-5.

Over 200 families engaged with Footie Families.

Completed a review of data/insight platform for participation programmes.

39 schools across 7 local authorities are now delivering Disney Playmakers with the aim of empowering and inspiring girls aged 5-8 through movement and play.

30 secondary schools delivering the Be Football programme, which looks to increase the number of female pupils leading and participating in football-related activities and improve teacher confidence in delivering football to draw out life skills in PE.

PAWB strategy launched.

PAWB fund distributed over £8,000 to support families to purchase kit, equipment and membership fees since September 2021.

Review of FAW Licensed Academy programme completed with recommendations for redistribution of funding to support academies to include stipulations related to caps on academy fees.

An increase in average attendance of 4.4% for the Cymru Premier (from 319 in 2019/20 to 333 in 2021/22).

An increase in average attendance of 62% for the Cymru South (from 131 in 2019/20 to 213 in 2021/22).

An increase in average attendance of 21% for the Cymru North (from 214 in 2019/20 to 256 in 2021/22).

Strategic scheduling of fixtures to avoid clashing home matches and increased engagement with influencers and key decision-makers.

Increases in the number of clubs applying for licences across all Tiers of the men’s game compared to 2021 (10% UEFA, 8% Tier 1, 9% Tier 2 and 19% Tier 3).

15 Clubs secure Tier 2 Women’s License and 10 Clubs secure Tier 1 License for 2022/23 season.

Support involved educating clubs on the benefits of gaining licences, enhanced services and targeted communications.

FAW Women’s Cup Final record attendance of 575.

32,000 watched the Adran Premier opening match of the season.

Women’s Cup Final most viewed domestic football match on Sgorio in April 2022.

1,720% increase in social media engagement, 17% increase in followers and 1,300% increase in profile visits from the Adran League brand launch (June 2021 – January 2022).

16 players from across the Adran Leagues have represented the Cymru U17s or U19s during the 2021/22 season (4 in the U19s and 12 in the U17s).

Chloe Bull moved from Cardiff Met to sign her first professional contract for Bristol City resulting in a call-up to the Cymru national team in February 2022.

Launched the new U19s League with 19 teams across 3 Divisions.

Clwb Cymru club support platform established to act as a digital engagement and resource tool across key areas of club operations.

Volunteer development workshop series launched.

£3.2m distributed to club and community facility projects via Grassroots Facility Fund.

Supported clubs to access over £350,000 in Sport Wales grants over the past 6 months.

Launched Adran Leagues Club Development Programme which included Coaches Technical Workshop, FIFA Capacity Building Course for Administrators and Club Licensing Support Clinics.

Consulted with Member Clubs, Council, FAW Committees, Area Associations and National Leagues regarding proposed Rule changes.

Updated Standing Orders & Rules of Procedure to accommodate the new Audit & Risk Committee and Facilities Committee.

Continual focus on simplifying Rules and limiting unnecessary restrictions.

Commissioned and delivered the independent ‘A Sustainable Association for the Future’ (SAFF) research which looked at ways to align the organisation’s business model, structures, resources, partnerships and people behind one plan.

FAW Board and Council approved the SAFF recommendations.

FAW Rule changes introduced to support the implementation of the recommendations.

FAW Trust staff and operations integrated into the FAW.

Research conducted by Nielsen indicating that 79% or more positive experiences of working with the FAW (against a target of 75%).

Developed a 6-year business plan to support the delivery of Our Wales.

Launched the guaranteed interview scheme within the recruitment process.

Launched referee bursary and mentoring programme for Black, Asian and other minority groups.

Finalised and launched the Challenging Discrimination in football online course with eCoach.

Delivered FIFA capacity-building course for female administrators in the game (two-day course with 27 administrators).

Launched BE Football Mentoring For HER Programme with 14 mentors matched up with 14 mentees to support and develop our future female workforce whilst also acting as a development opportunity for our 14 mentees.

Identify potential cost savings following SAFF Report.

FAW reported a pre-tax profit of £3.1m for the 12-month ending 30th June 2021, including an increase in turnover of 93% to £28.1m.

Communications Plan developed.

New internal processes and procedures developed to help ensure communication flows effectively and efficiently through and from the organisation.

Sage Todz music video ahead of the FIFA World Cup play-off final.

Content involving Dafydd Iwan during the play-off final and meeting the team after qualifying.

Rob Page school visits to Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle and Ysgol Penweddig.

Rob Page cultural/community visits to National Slate Museum and National Library.

Women’s National Team visiting St Fagans to learn about Welsh history and culture.

Pride month features involving women’s team during June international window.

Sage Todz music video ahead of the FIFA World Cup play-off final.

Content involving Dafydd Iwan during the play-off final and meeting the team after qualifying.

Q&A session at National Eisteddfod in Tregaron regarding FAW’s use of the Welsh language and FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Giving Wes Burns the opportunity for his first ever Welsh language interview, recorded by FAW and syndicated to media.

Hosting media sessions and press conferences at St Fagans museum.

Welsh language policy developed.

Organise Sgorio’s feature with Wayne Hennessey meeting Neville Southall during the June international window.

Zoom ‘Coming Out’ session for fans involving Helen Ward, Rachel Rowe and Elise Hughes.

Rob Page school visits to Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle and Ysgol Penweddig.

Rob Page community visits to National Slate Museum and National Library.

Women’s National Team visiting St Fagans to learn about Welsh history and culture.

Gemma Grainger hosting a coaching session for Baglan BGC girls' teams.

Lili Jones (WU17 player) recording a podcast for the Wrexham City of Culture bid.

Rob Page attending the Royal Welsh show.

FAW participating in trade initiatives with Welsh Government and other partners.

Regular meetings with Welsh Government and Visit Wales to plan future events e.g. the World Cup.

Cyber security training arranged for staff.

New IT Strategy developed.

Future Our Wales actions mapped against the Well-being of Future Generations Wales goals.

Regular meetings take place with partners to discuss opportunities and future priorities.

New funding agreement is in place between the FAW and Sport Wales following the FAW Trust integration.

Establish a working group from various departments to consider the next steps for Public Affairs Strategy and its implementation.

Public Affairs Strategy developed and shared with partner organisations.

Implement a strategic approach to messaging, funding and policies across all levels of the organisation.

Head of Public Affairs in the process of being appointed.

Independent research on carbon footprint, ecology and stakeholder engagement was undertaken.

Sustainability Working Group established.

FAW consulted with partners during the strategy development process.

A sustainability Strategy was developed to support the delivery of Our Wales.

Establish a staff group to identify key cohorts and discuss the best ways of embedding the values to other members of the football family.

Develop a communication plan to help raise awareness of the values to other members of the football family.

Created the Coach Cymru online platform for grassroots coaches to access further education and support.

Developed the FAW National Grassroots Coaches Conference as a way for coaches to revalidate their qualifications post-COVID. A total of 3,830 coaches enrolled between May and June 2022.

The UEFA C Licence has been integrated into the FAW Pathway following two successful pilot courses and tutor training.

Reviewed exciting coach education provision in preparation for a new coach educator development programme.

From April to June, there was a 115% increase in Become a Ref Products compared to the same period the previous year.

Two Women's and Girls' Referee Days were organised for July to capitalise on Cheryl Foster’s UEFA EURO 2022 appointment.

Referee Re-registration Campaign via Comet Messenger and social media.

Arm Bands for U18 Referees to be introduced across Wales to reduce abuse.

Standardised Area Association Mentoring Scheme to be introduced for new referees.

Right to wear FAW Badge expanded to Category 3 (280+ Match Officials).

Match Officials Survey distributed, Refereeing.Wales site revitalised and The Welsh Referees Podcast launched

Reviewed the grassroots coach education revalidation process and CPD content with a new process and menu of options expected to be launched during the 2022/23 season.

The delivery of the FAW’s Fair Play Fortnight for 116 clubs.

Provided clubs with patches and pennants to promote the event on their social media channels and websites.

Promoted the winners of the Fair Play Award for the 2021/22 season by publishing the information on the FAW’s website and social media channels

Awarded the winners of the 2021/22 season with £1,000 prize money to be reinvested back in the football club.

In the process of inviting the winners of this award to the Wales v Poland match to be formally recognised for their achievement.

Workshop with AFC (Asian Football Federation) regarding communications strategy and delivery for UEFA EURO 2020.

Offered work experience opportunities as part of the BE Mentoring Programme.

FC Cymru features stories from the FAW and the Welsh Football Family that shares best practices on a monthly basis e.g. the mental health work at Ammanford and Trefelin BGC.

Developed a better understanding of the registered members involved with the game with COMET data showing that 98% have now selected their ethnicity.

Developed a number of internal and external networks (LGBTQ+ football network, Disability Access Officer network, Refugees in Football network etc) to listen to the voices of those in underrepresented communities.

FAW regulations changed to include mandatory educational workshops as part of sanction for Senior/Junior players and Club officials.

Launched Pawb Education for Clubs and wider football family (currently over 500 attendees over 20+ workshops/webinars).

The creation of programmes such as Football Welcomes Refugees Cymru, Referee Diversity Programme, Disability Football plan and Women’s/Girls strategy.

Launch of Sensory Room, Audio Descriptive Commentary and Pawb Bus a Cymru games (the Pawb bus will be used to remove the barriers of travel for those from minority communities).

Over 30 UEFA FDEP workshop 1’s delivered to medical personnel working in football.

Over 600 medicals were completed on Cymru Premier League Academy players aged between 14-19.

Cardiac Screening completed of men’s and woman's senior squads as per UEFA medical regulations.

Involved in pioneering academic research looking at concussions in football.

Continuing to work with the football family to collaboratively embed a mental health culture throughout football.

Delivery of mental health awareness training to football operations and backroom staff.

Development of awareness-raising content utilising the platform of our Cymru players as well as shining a light on case studies from the domestic and grassroots game.

Development of resources for coaches to help them support young people experiencing a mental health or emotional wellbeing difficulties.

Working with UEFA on the Coaches for Health initiative, encouraging those within the football family to live a healthy lifestyle.

Funding Colwyn Bay FC for improvements to the stadium to support hosting UEFA finals.

National Centres Head appointed.

Future National Centres Plan prepared.

Reviewed and established appropriate ground criteria.

Established appropriate grant funding criteria and priorities.

Awarded grants totalling £271,090 for schemes to enable promotions to Tiers 1 2 and 3 of the FAW’s Men’s leagues and Tier 1 of the FAW Women’s leagues.

Social Return on Investment research published and shared with partners.

Meetings held with all 22 local authorities.

Supported the development of the 4Global review, which identified 1,524 pitches and 477 pavilions with less than a third of good quality and an estimated £300m of investment needed to achieve a target of 80% good.

£1.6m of 2021/22 Collaboration funding into 3G AGPs benefitting football.

Expression of Interest approach designed and 322 Expressions of Interest seeking £32m funding for £55m of projects.

£3.2m secured for grassroots facilities in 2021/22 £1.3m from UK Government; £1.9m from Sport Wales/Welsh Government.

Business case for 3 years funding between £11 and £15m submitted to UK Government.

47 grants amounting to £3m for project costs of £6.3m.

14 AGP projects £1.1m toward £3.4m.

10 Grass pitch projects £442k towards £509k.

15 Pavilion projects £1.3m towards £2.2m.

8 Equipment and floodlight schemes £135k towards £166k.

Two exemplar 3G club hubs were developed and funded in Wrexham.

The first-ever Women and Girls 3G football hub was developed.

A number of other hubs have been explored, including 3G club hub models, collaborative Cricket/Football facility models, wellbeing hubs, Area hubs and women and girls’ hubs.

Research conducted on sustainability, including ecology and carbon emissions.

The research has informed the development of the FAW’s sustainability strategy.

A new business model has been approved and the remit of the new Foundation has been established.

Successfully managed the grant scheme and distributed funding to successful applicants.

Review existing FAW and FAW Trust national youth team structures and provision (particularly the environment and resources) and ensure a clear philosophy and process for all genders and age groups.

Prepare a short summary paper setting out the key findings and recommendations of the national youth team review and present to the International Game Board.

Develop a clear work programme to help implement the recommendations from the review.

Clearly promote the player pathway across FAW platforms and with key stakeholders through the national youth team staff.

Recruit a dedicated lead for the FAW Licensed Academy Programme to drive standards and help deliver the Talent ID & Retention Strategy.

Develop a formal structure that helps embed a culture of continuous professional development across national youth team coaches.

Establish a Working Group to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the FAW and FAW Talent ID and Strategy.

Undertake a comparative analysis of club and association practices in relation to Talent ID and Retention.

Prepare an internal paper setting out the FAW and Talent ID and Retention Strategy.

Review and monitor talent ID strategy across the male international and domestic game.

Develop a talent ID strategy for the female domestic and international game.

Develop a player-mentor programme that provides holistic support to a targeted group of approximately 35 talented players between the ages of 15 and 21.

Establish and develop relationships with the key stakeholders in the professional game to ensure that talented players remain within the Welsh international pathway.

Focus on supporting the most talented boys by ensuring young players across the international pathway gain and average of 30-35 national youth team caps prior to graduating to senior international teams.

Deliver a minimum of 60 hours per annum of on-pitch training for all national youth teams.

Implement a fit for purpose staffing structure in line with key changes to the UEFA competition format.

Review the girls’ performance centres and implement a consistent model across Wales which focuses on skill acquisition.

Further develop the north and south regional programme and integrate girls into Cymru Academies / Academy games programme to create regular best v best opportunities in training and in games (focus on the 11-15-year olds).

Develop a clear framework that outlines the requirements / expectations at each stage of the pathway.

Communicate the framework with the football family and ensure that the pathway is aligned.

Develop positive and collaborative links with the domestic game in and out of Wales.

Increase sustainability of performance programmes through long term partnerships with key stakeholders (there should be a one approach to maximising commercial opportunities as part of this work).

Integrate the FAW - what it takes to win (WITTW) model to enhance insights and alignment of Welsh Way.

Collaborate with experts across our Talent ID and Development Working Group to enhance our talent ID strategy and insight-led decision-making.

Enhance relationships through more formal meetings and management of our National Youth team staff to further co-ordinate this process.

Cultivate a one club approach through the Solidarity Funding for the Head of Coaching roles.

Maintain and build on the Heads of Coaching professional development programme to ensure the provision is maximised across all funded and non-funded licensed academies.

Create more robust club structures through better alignment between FAW and licensed academies.

Develop categorisation of the domestic academies, and propose regulation changes to enhance standards of provision.

Deliver a sustainable regional games programme.

Work with female game lead coaches in regional programmes to identify talented girls who can access local training and games at our licensed academies.