The Football Association of Wales is celebrating a major strategic milestone after reaching 120,000 registered players across Wales.
The landmark figure represents a significant moment for Welsh football and reflects the continued growth of the game at every level, from children taking their first steps into football with the McDonalds Fun Football provision, to adults returning to the game, players competing in the Cymru Leagues and Adran Leagues, in addition to volunteers helping clubs thrive in communities across Wales.
Over recent seasons, registered participation in Welsh football has grown significantly, demonstrating the strength of the FAW’s long-term commitment to making football more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
This achievement is not only a celebration of numbers. It is a celebration of people, clubs, schools, leagues, volunteers, coaches, referees, parents, guardians and communities who make football happen every week. It also marks an important milestone in the FAW’s wider ambition to enhance lives through football and ensure that everyone in Wales has the opportunity to play, participate and belong.
Noel Mooney, FAW Chief Executive, said: “Reaching 120,000 registered players is a proud moment for football in Wales and a testament to the incredible work taking place across the game.
“From our grassroots clubs and volunteers to our schools, leagues, coaches, referees and community partners, this milestone belongs to everyone who gives their time and energy to Welsh football.
“Our focus is now on building on this momentum by creating even more opportunities to play, improving facilities across the country, supporting clubs off the pitch and ensuring that football remains a game for everyone in Wales.”
Ben Field, Head of Grassroots Football, added: “Area Associations and league volunteers are the backbone of grassroots football in Wales. Their commitment, expertise and countless hours of work behind the scenes ensure that football can be played and enjoyed in communities across the country every week.
“From administering competitions and supporting clubs to governing the game locally, their contribution is vital to the continued growth and success of Welsh football.
“Reaching 120,000 registered players would not have been possible without their dedication, and this milestone is as much a celebration of their efforts as it is of the players themselves.”
Registered player growth across Wales
The achievement of 120,000 registered players represents a significant moment in the continued growth of Welsh football and demonstrates the impact of the FAW’s long-term work to make the game more accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for people across Wales.
The progress over recent seasons has been substantial. In 2021/22, there were 96,000 registered players across Wales. By the end of 2025/26, that figure had risen to over 120,000, an increase of 25% over four seasons. Reaching the 120,000-player milestone during the 2025/26 season underlines the continued momentum across the game and the strength of the football offer now available to players of all ages and backgrounds.
Growth has been seen across every part of the game. Male registered players increased from 84,000 in 2021/22 to almost 100,000 in 2025/26, while female registered players rose from 13,000 to over 21,000 over the same period, an increase of over 60%. This reflects the transformational progress being made in women and girls’ football, supported by programmes such as Huddle, UEFA Disney Playmakers, BE. Football Schools, BE.FC, Admiral Ready to Play and wider club development work across Wales.
The number of players involved in small-sided football has also grown strongly, rising from 46,000 in 2021/22 to 59,000 in 2025/26. Junior football has increased from 18,000 to 24,000 over the same period, showing the importance of age-appropriate formats and positive early experiences in helping children and young people stay connected to the game.
Senior football has also continued to grow, increasing from 33,000 registered players in 2021/22 to 37,000 in 2025/26. This demonstrates that football in Wales is not only attracting new young players, but also retaining and engaging people through adult football, recreational opportunities and the wider Welsh football pyramid.
The expansion of recreational football has been particularly notable. Recreational registrations have grown from 300 in 2021/22 to over 7,000 in 2025/26. This highlights the increasing demand for flexible, social and accessible ways to play the game outside of traditional club competition structures.
Disability football has also shown encouraging growth since being recorded within the registration data, increasing from 300 players in 2023/24 to 900 in 2025/26. This reflects the FAW’s ongoing commitment to ensuring football is a game for everyone and that more inclusive opportunities are available across Wales.
The overall picture is one of sustained and broad-based growth. From small-sided football to senior football, from the continued rise of the women and girls’ game to the expansion of recreational and disability football, the 120,000-player milestone shows that more people than ever are finding their place in Welsh football.
A game for everyone
The growth to 120,000 registered players has been supported by a wide range of FAW resources, programmes and football offers designed to meet people wherever they are on their football journey.
For young children, the FAW’s participation programmes and resources provide fun, safe and welcoming first experiences of the game:
- McDonald’s Fun Football gives children aged 5 to 11 the chance to take part in recreational, turn-up-and-play sessions focused on enjoyment, friendship and skill development. These sessions are often a child’s first positive connection with football and play an important role in helping young people fall in love with the game.
- CicStart supports football provision in primary and ALN schools, helping teachers and providers create fun, inclusive and age-appropriate football experiences for children aged 7 to 11. Alongside this, the FAW’s small-sided and junior football formats ensure that children can play in environments that are right for their age and stage of development, giving them more touches of the ball, more involvement and more opportunities to enjoy the game.
The growth of women and girls’ football has also been central to the FAW’s participation work. Programmes such as Huddle, UEFA Disney Playmakers, BE. Football Schools and BE.FC provide clear and engaging opportunities for girls to start, continue and enjoy football:
- Huddle gives girls aged 4 to 11 a fun and friendly introduction to the game.
- UEFA Disney Playmakers uses storytelling, movement and imagination to help girls aged 5 to 8 build confidence through football.
- BE. Football Schools supports girls through school-based provision.
- BE.FC provides a recreational football community for teenage girls aged 12 to 16, creating a space where they can play football, socialise and build confidence in a low-pressure environment.
The FAW has also supported the creation of new girls’ teams and playing opportunities through initiatives such as Admiral Ready to Play and Amser Ni, helping clubs to establish and grow provision for younger age groups. These programmes form part of a wider commitment to ensure that girls across Wales can see football as a game that belongs to them from the very beginning.
Growing the game through Affiliate Partnerships
The FAW’s work to grow participation is also strengthened through its Affiliate Partnership programme, which brings together organisations that are helping to create more opportunities for people to play football across Wales.
Affiliate Partnerships support the FAW’s vision to create a leading football nation where the game is inclusive, accessible and successful. Through collaboration with specialist organisations, the FAW is able to support new and flexible formats of football, reach different communities, and help more people experience the benefits of the game.
The programme is designed to increase participation opportunities, raise awareness of alternative and community-based football provision, and support organisations that are using football to make a positive difference. Affiliate Partners can access FAW support, including use of the COMET platform, visibility through the Cymru Football app, public liability and personal accident insurance, policy templates, DBS support, and guidance to develop new initiatives that grow the game.
The FAW works with a wide range of Affiliate Partners across Wales, each supporting different communities and playing opportunities:
- Street Football Wales supports people who have experienced social isolation or exclusion by providing an inclusive and safe environment where they can play football, make friends and build self-confidence.
- Ambassadors Football works with local church communities to deliver football programmes, holiday camps and tournaments, helping to create regular playing opportunities across Wales.
- The Bengal Dragons Foundation provides accessible, affordable and culturally sensitive sporting programmes for children, young people and families, using sport to increase participation, improve wellbeing and strengthen community cohesion.
- The Wales Deaf Football Association promotes, develops and governs Deaf football in Wales, providing opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing people to play, coach, officiate and engage with football at all levels.
- Mental Health Football Wales delivers football sessions that support mental health and wellbeing. Its Connect 76 programme uses football as a way to encourage people to get involved, connect with others and enjoy the positive impact of playing the game.
- MAN v FAT Football combines small-sided football with structured weight management support, helping men across Wales get healthier and return to organised football. The programme has a growing presence in Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham.
- Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Wales supports youth football opportunities through its network of affiliated clubs, engaging thousands of young people and volunteers across the country. Its girls’ football programme continues to grow, including through the Her Goal project linked to the legacy of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
- Welsh Schools FA plays a key role in schools and colleges football, supporting opportunities within the education system and providing young players with opportunities to compete in inter- and intra-school and county competitions and festivals, along with the chance to represent Welsh Schools FA.
- The Wales Veterans’ Football Association supports players aged 40 to 80, increasing participation in football and supporting physical and mental wellbeing through veterans’ football. The association includes almost 90 teams and more than 1,800 registered players.
- Transplant Wales Football Team (pictured above) provides transplant recipients, dialysis patients and people with chronic or life-altering health conditions with a safe and inspiring space to play football, build resilience and raise awareness of organ donation.
- Wales Armed Forces Veterans Football Club offers veterans the opportunity to reconnect through football, supporting camaraderie, teamwork, pride and wellbeing.
- The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, through Game On Wales, uses the power of sport to change lives in former coalfield communities, delivering free sessions that help people get active, learn new skills and connect with others.
Together, these partnerships show the breadth of football’s impact across Wales. From schools, youth clubs and community groups to disability football, veterans’ football, health and wellbeing programmes, and inclusive football for underrepresented communities, the FAW’s Affiliate Partners play an important role in helping more people find their place in the game.
By working with organisations that understand the needs of their communities, the FAW can extend the reach of football beyond traditional club environments and ensure that more people across Cymru have the opportunity to play, belong and benefit from the game.
Building stronger clubs and better football environments
Reaching 120,000 registered players has also required a continued focus on the structures that support football off the pitch.
Grassroots football depends on strong, sustainable clubs. Across Wales, the FAW works with clubs, leagues and volunteers to help them grow, develop and provide positive experiences for players. Through club development support, football services, education, safeguarding, governance and practical guidance, the FAW helps clubs strengthen the environments that allow people to enjoy the game.
This support is vital. Behind every registered player is a network of people and structures that make football possible. Clubs need volunteers, coaches, welfare officers, administrators, match officials, grounds teams and committee members. The FAW’s role is to support those people, reduce barriers where possible and help clubs build the foundations needed to provide football for their communities.
The FAW’s PAWB Cymru work also plays an important role in ensuring that football is inclusive and welcoming. Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to growing the game, and the FAW continues to work with partners and communities to make football more accessible to people from all backgrounds.
The FAW Youth Council also gives young people a voice in shaping the future of Welsh football, helping to ensure that the game listens to the next generation of players, supporters, volunteers and leaders.
Investing in facilities across Wales
Participation growth must be matched by investment in the places where football is played. That is why facilities remain a major priority for the FAW and the Cymru Football Foundation.
The Cymru Football Foundation was established to invest in, develop and sustain football facilities that improve health, promote inclusion and strengthen communities. Its vision is to put quality football facilities within 15 minutes of every community in Wales, prioritising the areas that need them most.
Since its launch, the Cymru Football Foundation has supported clubs and communities across the country through significant investment in fit-for-future facilities. This includes funding for artificial pitches, grass-pitch improvements, changing rooms, clubhouses, community spaces, floodlights, equipment and sustainability projects.
The Fit-For-Future Facilities Programme provides grant funding to support capital projects that can transform the experience of players, clubs and communities. These improvements are about more than buildings and pitches. They help create safer, more welcoming and more inclusive spaces where people want to play, volunteer, watch and connect.
Investment in facilities also supports the growth of women and girls’ football. Creating environments that are safe, accessible and welcoming is essential if Welsh football is to continue growing female participation and ensure that players feel valued at every level of the game.
Through Local Football Facility Plans, the FAW and Cymru Football Foundation are also working with local authorities across Wales to better understand facility needs and identify priorities in every part of the country. This collaborative approach will help shape future investment and ensure that football facilities are developed where they can have the greatest impact.
Supporting the whole football family
The milestone of 120,000 registered players also reflects the contribution of the wider football family.
Players are at the heart of the game, but football in Wales depends on thousands of people who give their time, expertise and passion to make the game possible. Coaches help players learn and develop. Referees make matches happen. Volunteers open gates, wash kits, mark pitches, manage registrations, run social media accounts, organise fixtures, support safeguarding and keep clubs operating throughout the season.
The FAW’s work off the pitch is designed to support this ecosystem. Through education, development, digital services, safeguarding standards, governance guidance and club support, the organisation continues to provide the framework that allows football to operate safely and effectively across Wales.
Dosbarth provides a central place for people across Welsh football to begin or continue their learning journey, whether they want to become a coach, train as a referee or develop the skills needed to support clubs in off-field roles. By bringing coach education, referee education and off-field education together in one place, Dosbarth helps ensure that the people who deliver football across Wales have access to the knowledge, confidence and support they need.
For coaches, Dosbarth provides access to a clear education pathway, from entry-level opportunities such as the FAW Introduction to Coaching Football and the UEFA Grassroots Leaders Award, through to UEFA C Licence, UEFA B Licence, UEFA A Licence, UEFA Goalkeepers A Licence and UEFA Pro Licence courses. This pathway supports coaches at every stage of their development, helping to improve the quality of football environments for players across the country.
Dosbarth also signposts people into referee education, including the FAW Referee Award. Match officials are essential to the growth and sustainability of the game, and providing accessible entry routes into refereeing helps support the delivery of more football across Wales.
Alongside coaching and refereeing, Dosbarth provides off-field education modules designed to help clubs and volunteers strengthen the way they operate. These include courses focused on recruiting and retaining volunteers, developing a club’s digital presence, managing club finances, generating income and engaging with the community.
This off-field support is an important part of participation growth. Strong clubs need more than players and pitches; they need skilled, confident people who can manage finances, communicate effectively, attract volunteers, build relationships and create sustainable community environments.
Through Dosbarth, the FAW is investing in the people behind the game. By supporting coaches, referees, volunteers and club officials, the FAW is helping to create better football experiences, stronger clubs and more opportunities for people across Cymru to play and participate.
Project Chwarae is another important part of this wider picture. By reviewing the grassroots football calendar and exploring ways to reduce the impact of postponements, particularly during the winter months, the FAW is working to improve the playing experience and help more football take place throughout the year.
This joined-up approach is central to sustaining participation. Getting people into football is only the first step. Keeping them in the game requires good facilities, positive environments, well-supported clubs, appropriate playing formats and a football culture that values everyone’s contribution.
Celebrating excellence on and off the pitch
As participation continues to grow, the FAW also remains committed to recognising the people who make Welsh football special.
The FAW National League Awards celebrate excellence across the Cymru Leagues and Adran Leagues, recognising the players, managers, match officials, volunteers and club representatives who have made an outstanding contribution during the season. These awards shine a light on the national leagues and celebrate the talent, dedication and achievement that exists throughout the Welsh football pyramid.
At grassroots level, the FAW McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards honour the unsung heroes of Welsh football. These awards recognise the volunteers, coaches, clubs and community figures who dedicate their time to making football enjoyable, accessible and inclusive.
The Grassroots Football Awards are a reminder that participation growth is powered by people. Every new player who joins a club, attends a session or returns to football is supported by individuals who give their time to create positive experiences. Recognising those contributions is an important part of celebrating the game and inspiring others to get involved.
Looking ahead
Reaching 120,000 registered players is a major achievement, but it is also a platform for the future.
The FAW’s ambition is to continue growing participation across Wales by creating more opportunities to play, improving facilities, supporting clubs, developing coaches and volunteers, increasing the number of match officials, and ensuring that football is welcoming to all.
From grassroots pitches to national league stadiums, from school sessions to walking football, and from first-time players to lifelong volunteers, football continues to play a powerful role in Welsh communities.
This milestone belongs to the whole Welsh football family. It reflects the passion, commitment and hard work of people across Cymru who believe in the power of the game.
With 120,000 registered players now part of Welsh football, the FAW will continue working to ensure that even more people can experience the joy, belonging and opportunity that football provides.
