The Cymru Football Foundation (CFF) is delighted to announce the launch of Environments For Her – a new funding pot that will invest into improving off-field facilities for women and girls.
Inspired by the success of the Cymru Women’s National Team, the Foundation will invest £1million into making off-field facilities safe, welcoming and inspiring for women and girls who participate in the grassroots game.
Environments For Her will provide grants of up to £50,000 to improve experiences of women and girls – focusing on internal, off-field refurbishments including:
- Cubicle showers
- WC provisions (cubicles, wash basins and improved sanitary provisions)
- Changing facilities for match officials
- Indoor and outdoor lighting
- Fixtures, fittings and furnishings to existing changing facilities
The CFF are on a mission to double the number of women and girls participating in football across Cymru through inspirational and fit-for-future football facilities.
Environments For Her will provide the opportunity to help meet the growing demand that grassroots football among women and girls, whilst also recognising the success of Rhian Wilkinson’s team on the pitch and leave a legacy across the country.
Thanks to UK Government, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and the Premier League, almost £8 million has already been invested into facilities supporting participation amongst women and girls by the Cymru Football Foundation since 2022.
Cymru Women National Team Manager Rhian Wilkinson said: “The work that’s being done to provide off-field facilities specifically for players across the women’s and girls’ game shows them that they’re as valuable as the boys and the men who play. Access to facilities for women and girls is critical for the growth of the game but also their physical and mental wellbeing.
“As we grow as a country it’s so important that we take care of the grassroots landscape – it’s great to have seen some of the facilities that the Foundation has already invested in, and I look forward to seeing more and more going forward.”
Cymru Captain Angharad James said: “The Cymru Football Foundation is making huge strides to address the challenge we have of making football more accessible to our women and girls. It’s not just about pitch access, it’s about having those other facilities as well, like safe places to change, for players and officials.”
Director at the Cymru Football Foundation Aled Lewis said: “Our Women’s National Team have been an inspiration to thousands of women and girls across Cymru both on and off the pitch. Their success is already having a hugely positive impact on our sport, and we’re delighted that we can continue to invest to make the game inclusive for all.
“We’re working hard to deliver facilities that inspire the number of women and girls participating across Wales and we’re committed to providing equal access at all the facilities we invest in.
“This fund reflects the Cymru Football Foundation and FAW’s shared commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Aligned to the FAW’s PAWB EDI strategy, the fund aims to ensure all individuals have access to welcoming, safe and inspiring football environments. We look forward to seeing this fund have a lasting impact and recognising the success of Rhian and her players.”
The CFF supports the development of football through investment and guidance as it delivers on the FAW’s commitment to develop inspirational fit-for-future football facilities that will improve and grow Welsh football on and off the pitch.
Since February 2022, the CFF has invested over £17 million into supporting fit-for-future facilities across the country.
