Grassroots clubs invited to celebrate 20,000 player milestone at Cymru v Montenegro

As the FAW celebrates surpassing 20,000 registered women’s and girls’ players across the country, grassroots clubs are being invited to proudly wear their club kits to Cymru’s upcoming international fixture to mark this historic achievement.

Cymru return to Parc-y-Scarlets, Llanelli, to take on Montenegro on Saturday, 7 March (KO 4:30pm GMT) – the first home match since the landmark participation milestone was announced.

Originally targeted for 2026 within the FAW’s Our Wales strategy, the 20,000-player milestone has been reached ahead of schedule, underlining the extraordinary growth of the women’s and girls’ game across Wales.

Over the past three years (June 2022 to December 2025), participation has increased by 58% overall. Growth has been seen across every age group, including:

• U14s–U17s: 83% increase (from 2,332 to 4,279 players)
• U6–U13s: 49% increase (from 8,379 to 12,528 players)
• Adult football: 61% increase (from 2,016 to 3,237 players)

Regionally, several Area Associations have delivered significant progress, with percentage increases in girls’ participation including:

• South Wales FA – 73%
• Gwent County FA – 67%
• North Wales Coast FA – 49%
• West Wales FA – 43%
• North East Wales FA – 42%
• Central Wales FA – 17%

This national progress has been driven by collective efforts across clubs, leagues, volunteers and FAW staff, alongside targeted programmes such as UEFA Disney Playmakers, BE Football Schools, Huddle and BE.FC. With 142 Playmakers providers, 117 BE Football Schools, 86 Huddle centres and 30 BE.FC programmes now operating nationwide, thousands of girls are being introduced to football each year in safe, inclusive and inspiring environments.

To celebrate this remarkable milestone and recognise the vital role grassroots clubs have played in reaching it, clubs from across Wales are encouraged to attend Saturday’s match wearing their team kits and colours with pride.

The fixture offers a special opportunity for the grassroots football family to come together, showcase the strength of the women’s and girls’ game, and celebrate a new chapter of continued growth and opportunity for football in Wales.

Stars Ffion Morgan, formerly of Ammanford, James of Clarbeston Road and Charlie Escourt of Newcastle Emlyn have all played their part ahead of Saturday’s match.

Speaking ahead of the qualifier, Cymru captain James said: “Putting my first grassroots team shirt back on brings back so many special memories.

“They played a big part in my journey and helped me become the player I am today. I can’t wait to see teams from all over Cymru turning up in their grassroots kits to celebrate this milestone together.”