The Football Association of Wales is proud to announce that it has become the first National Football Association to join Common Goal, the global football movement inspiring radical collaboration to transform communities through football.
Sustainable Development is a central organising principle that shapes the FAW’s activities. Wales was the first nation in the world to legislate for the well-being of current and future generations to enshrine the Sustainable Development Goals into the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015.
The FAW’s commitment to Common Goal is not only a world first, but also a step forward in accelerating its commitment to those across the country. As a not-for-profit organisation the FAW re-invests revenues into football for the betterment of people, communities and the environment in Wales.
In March, the Cymru Football Foundation (CFF) became a network community member of Common Goal. To support the development of inspirational fit-for-future football facilities, the FAW invests upwards of 10% of its revenue into the CFF to further enrich communities across Wales.
The FAW further supports young people and families across Wales in accessing football opportunities and equipment via the PAWB (which translates to everyone in English) Fund, which in the two years since its creation has supported 452 individuals, 392 families and 200 clubs and organisations.
The Common Goal Partnership is the next step in scaling the FAW’s impact for people and communities across Wales. The federation will work towards embedding and unlocking a further 1% of revenues for people and communities across Wales. This will start with a pledge to ensure 1% of ticket sales from the FAW’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers is returned to projects, programmes and initiatives via the CFF, PAWB Fund and/or other such initiatives that create meaningful social value for people and communities across Wales.
FAW Chief Commercial and Engagement Officer, Sharon Tuff said: “The Football Association of Wales is proud of our growing reputation as a leader in the sustainability and social impact space in international football. We want to give the fans of our Cymru National Teams – known as The Red Wall – the choice over where this funding pledge goes so that they can see their impact of supporting the national teams in their own communities.
“It is also the intention of the FAW to work towards unlocking the 1% contribution with our partners and stakeholders, innovating across other commercial revenue streams as the federations strives to shape a better future for Wales at home and on the World Stage through football.”
Rhian Wilkinson, Cymru Women’s National Team Head Coach said: “There is so much passion for the game in Wales and we are building great momentum in the women’s team as we get closer to qualification for the Euros.
“The fact that our dedication to excellence on the field of play is mirrored by our goal to become the best we can be off the pitch makes Welsh football unique and this inspires and unites us all – coaching staff, players and fans alike.”
Jürgen Griesbeck, Common Goal CEO, said: “What started as a player-led movement in 2017, is now a network of diverse football industry stakeholders including clubs, corporations, industry leaders and now the Football Association of Wales, the first national association to join the movement.
“Common Goal has always been built on a foundation of innovation and collaboration and we are so inspired by the FAW for being the first association to take this step. I hope that other 210 associations recognised by FIFA are inspired by the FAW’s leadership and commit to working together to unleash football’s full potential as a force for positive change in the world.”
