FAW unveils ambitious 10-year plan, but

The FAW's plan 'Llunio Cymru' includes a number of measures to strengthen the structure of Welsh football. The plan aims to get the Wales national team back into the top 20 of the FIFA World Rankings, which is vital in preparation for the World Cup 2026.

Why it matters

The FAW's 10-year plan is important for the future of Welsh football, especially as it can help prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026. With more players and better facilities, the Wales national team will have a better chance of competing at international level. This scheme is important not only for the men's team but also for the development of the women's game.

Key points

• FAW unveils ambitious 10-year plan, however.
• The Football Association of Wales has outlined a 10-year plan to grow Welsh football, including increasing participation, improving facilities and seeking government funding..
• FAW sets out ambitious 10-year plan but says it needs more money - BBC Sport.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has outlined ambitious targets to reform Welsh football over the next decade. The FAW has said it needs more players, more pitches and more financial help from the government to increase participation in major competitions. Their efforts are presented in a new strategic plan called "Llunio Cymru", which aims to return the men's national team to the top 20 in the FIFA world rankings.

The plan includes a number of success measures, set out to help Wales' football teams "perform on the world stage". A key goal is to ensure that quality amenities are available “within 15 minutes” of every community. A target of 100 new or upgraded pitches has been set by 2030. FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said the union felt the need for greater support from the Welsh Government for the development of new facilities, as it looked to increase the number of registered players in Wales by 30%.

“We need a lot more support,” Mooney said. "We need facilities to grow the women's game. We've spent more than £30 million building pitches across the country in the last four years, but we still have a long way to go." He also said that our resources are increasing, which is positive, but we need more support from the Welsh Government and the 22 local authorities.

The Welsh Government said in a statement that it recognized "the importance of high-quality sports facilities to grassroots and community sport". “We are working with Sport Wales and key partners on a national audit of community and regional sports facilities.” He added: “We are providing £13 million of capital funding to improve facilities through Sport Wales in 2026-27.”

Specifically, the FAW's main goal is to qualify for every other major competition and reach the knockout stages of the co-organized Euro 2028 and 2035 Women's World Cup. The FAW wants 80% of the men's and women's national team players to play regularly in the world's top five leagues. Currently this number in the men's team is 65%.

As well as this, the FAW have also decided to establish two top-tier club academies due to a decline in talent for the men's national team following Swansea City's loss of Division One status. The FAW is working with the clubs to provide resources and staff so that new talent can emerge.

FAW finalized its goals in 2021. Qualifying for the 2022 Men's World Cup and 2025 Women's Euro were their major targets. They have increased the number of players playing in Wales from 80,000 to 120,000 and now they want to increase it to 160,000. He believes that increasing the number of players will also help in playing the game at a higher level.

What will happen next

The FAW will now seek more financial support from the Welsh Government and local authorities to implement their plans. If financial support is secured, Wales could achieve the target of 100 new or upgraded pitches by 2030. Thus, the structure of Welsh football will be improved, thereby increasing the quality of players and coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What 10-year plan did FAW reveal?

The FAW has outlined an ambitious plan to reform Welsh football, with the aim of adding more players, pitches and increasing participation in major competitions.

Who confirmed FAW's new plan?

FAW Chief Executive Noel Mooney has confirmed this new strategic plan 'Llunio Cymru'.

Why does FAW need more money?

The FAW need more funding so they can increase the number of registered players in Wales by 30% and develop quality facilities.

What changes are included in this plan?

The plan includes a target of 100 new or upgraded pitches by 2030 and a goal of providing quality facilities 'within 15 minutes' of every community.

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How did the Welsh Government respond to FAW's plans?

The Welsh Government said it recognizes the importance of high quality sports facilities and is working on a national audit of community and regional sports facilities.

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