This week marked the return of the Cymru Cup in North Wales, a cornerstone event in the Welsh football calendar and a crucial step in the journey for the next generation of national team players.
The Cymru Cup has consistently played a vital role in player development. An impressive 90% of our current Men’s National Team squad once featured in this very tournament, showcasing the value and success of the programme.
Players such as Leeds United’s Charlie Crew and Birmingham City’s Jordan James are among those who began their international journeys through the Cymru Cup, going on to earn senior caps for Cymru.
The Cymru Cup is a celebration of the most promising players born in 2011, drawn from both North and South Wales, as well as professional clubs across the UK.
Over three days, these young talents come together to form three teams — including players from the FAW National Academi — competing in two high-level matches under the watchful eyes of national team coaches and support staff.
The event not only highlights regional talent but also serves as the final stage of the FAW’s two-year Regional Programme, which aims to identify players ready to make the step into the Men’s Under 15 (MU15) National Team.
This year’s Cymru Cup serves as the final contact point before the selection of the 28-player MU15 Development Squad, who will attend a training camp at Dragon Park from 17 to 18 August, before heading into their first international fixtures in Croatia this October.
Opening the event, Cymru Manager Craig Bellamy and FAW Technical Director David Adams addressed players and parents, outlining the Welsh football pathway and the opportunities that lie ahead. Their presence underlined the importance of this stage in the journey, as well as the FAW’s commitment to nurturing talent from the grassroots to the international stage.
Reflecting on the Cymru Cup, Craig Knight, Boys Player Development Manager said: “There will be disappointment for players not selected this time, but it’s important to stress that if the time is not right at this moment, that doesn’t mean the moment will not come.
“Experience tells us that players develop at different rates and every player we have worked with remains an important part of the FAW family.
“To have our men’s senior head coach Craig Bellamy in attendance at the Cymru Cup shows the importance he and the association see in the pathway. His commitment to the young talents of Cymru and the words he shared inspire passion and belief in players, parents and staff alike.
“We would like to thank both Bangor University and Bangor City for their help and support in hosting the event. They provided a superb environment for Cymru Cup 2025.”
