The second season of the FAW National Academi (Girls) programme is underway, building on a successful first year and continuing the development of a more connected pathway for talented young players across Wales.
Following the introduction of the National Academi (Girls) programme in 2025/26, all 11 licensed clubs have returned for the new season, with each club expanding its provision to include both U13 and U15 age groups.
The 2026/27 season will began on the weekend and will run through to the end of April 2027. Players will experience a combination of regional and national fixtures, alongside opportunities to compete in regional and national festivals throughout the season.
Building a connected national pathway
The continued development of the National Academi (Girls) programme supports the FAW High Performance Strategy and its ambition to create a connected player development ecosystem capable of producing more and better Welsh players.
All 11 clubs operate under a unified National Academi licence, aligned with the National Academi (Boys) programme, FAW tiered licensing and UEFA standards. This provides clubs with a consistent framework from which to develop high-quality environments for players across Wales.
The programme will also connect closely with the wider FAW talent pathway. Selected players will have opportunities to train and play within the Girls Regional Programme, helping to strengthen the connection between club environments, FAW regional provision and the national pathway.
FAW National Academi (Girls) Manager, Tom Peevor said: “The first season gave us a really strong foundation to build from, with all 11 clubs embracing the National Academi programme and showing a real commitment to developing their environments.
“It is fantastic to see the programme grow with the introduction of the U15 age group at every club. This gives us an opportunity to provide greater continuity for players as they progress through the pathway.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with our clubs and supporting them to create high-quality National Academi environments that give young players across Wales the best possible opportunity to develop.”
The expansion for 2026/27 represents another step in the development of the girls’ player pathway, with clubs, regional programmes and the FAW working together to create increasingly connected opportunities for talented players across Cymru.
