FAW sets out new aims and says it needs more money

The FAW has unveiled a 10-year strategic plan targeting 160,000 registered players, 100 new pitches by 2030, and a return to the top 20 in FIFA rankings, but says it needs significantly more funding from Welsh Government.

The Football Association of Wales has published an ambitious strategic plan, Llunio Cymru, setting targets through 2036 to grow participation and improve performance across the men's and women's national sides.

Key goals include increasing registered players from 120,000 to 160,000 (doubling women and girls' participation to 40,000), building or upgrading 100 pitches by 2030 to sit within 15 minutes of every community, and ensuring 80% of national team players are regular starters in the world's top five leagues. For the elite game, Wales aims to qualify for every other major tournament, reach the knockout stages of Euro 2028 and the 2035 Women's World Cup, and return the men's side to the top 20 of FIFA's rankings.

FAW chief executive Noel Mooney acknowledged the association has invested over £30m in facilities over four years but stressed the need for greater support from Welsh Government and local authorities. He noted that increased FIFA revenues from the 2026 World Cup and hosting Euro 2028 have helped push FAW revenues toward £50m, but a recent review estimated £150m is needed to deliver the required facilities across local authority areas. A dedicated women and girls' strategy will launch next month with doubled investment.