Football Association of Wales sets out ambitious 10-year plan

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has announced a new strategic plan, "Llunio Cymru," setting out ambitious targets for the next decade. The governing body aims to increase the number of registered players to 160,000, double the participation of women and girls, and ensure quality football facilities are accessible within 15 minutes of every community by 2036.

Chief executive Noel Mooney highlighted that while the FAW is targeting 100 new or upgraded pitches by 2030, the association requires significantly more support from the Welsh government and local authorities. Despite the FAW's revenues approaching £50m, Mooney described the current £13m in state capital expenditure as insufficient for the required £150m infrastructure overhaul.

The plan also focuses on elite performance, with goals including returning the men's national team to the top 20 of the FIFA rankings and reaching the knockout stages of Euro 2028 and the 2035 Women's World Cup. To support this, the FAW intends to work with clubs to revitalize academies, aiming to produce two elite-level players per team each year.

Mooney expressed optimism regarding ongoing discussions with the new government, emphasizing that investing in football serves as a preventative health measure for the nation. The FAW is balancing these elite ambitions with grassroots development, aiming to reduce dropout rates among teenagers and increase the number of qualified coaches.