Admiral launched the Ready to Play fund as part of our continued partnership at the beginning of the 2025 season. The fund will support the creation of 150 new U6–U9 girls’ teams over three years. After a successful first year, applications to apply for Ready to Play fund for the 26/27 are now open.
By covering fees related to kits, registration, coach education, facility hire, venue costs and more, the fund is helping clubs across Wales overcome barriers and improve access to the game. The fund will help clubs establish new girls’ teams at the Under 6, Under 7, Under 8, and Under 9 age groups.
The FAW reached its milestone of 20,000 registered women’s and girls’ players at the end of 2025 and continues to strive to increase this number. Admiral is leading the way in helping the FAW to achieve that. As outlined in its Grassroots Strategy, the FAW has also set an ambitious target to increase participation among girls aged 5 to 11 by 50% by 2030.
Together, the FAW and Admiral are ensuring the legacy of Cymru’s success continues to inspire, empowering girls across Wales to be Ready to Play.
Clubs across Wales are invited to apply for £500 per new team at the above ages for the 26/27 season. Clubs are permitted to apply for funding for up to two new teams (£1,000). The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 3rd July 2026.
Bethan Woolley, Head of Women’s and girls’ football at the FAW said: “The continued growth of girls’ football across Wales is really exciting, and initiatives like Admiral’s Ready to Play fund are vital in helping clubs create more opportunities for young girls to get involved in the game from an earlier age. By supporting new teams at U6 to U9 level, we are helping to remove barriers for clubs and ensuring more girls can enjoy football in safe, and welcoming environments. We’re proud to continue working alongside Admiral to build a strong future for the women’s and girls’ game in Wales.”
Emma Holtam, UK People Director at Admiral, says, “The impact that sport has on strengthening local communities is incredible, which is why we’re so proud to support the FAW’s ambition to remove barriers for girls getting into football. Many of our own colleagues are active members of Wales’ football community, and we’re all enthusiastically cheering on the next generation as they go on to build lifelong connections through sport, and carry key skills into their future careers and lives.”
