FAW Girls Regional Programme – Developing the next generation of Cymru internationals

The FAW welcomed domestic players and Welsh eligible players from outside of Wales into the first ever Tier 1 Girls Regional Programme last month.

The FAW Tier 1 Girls Regional Programme Half Term Provision represents an important step in the development of talented young female footballers across the country and plays a significant role in strengthening the Youth National Team Pathway, while supporting the pathway into the Women’s National Team.

Some of the clubs from outside of Wales represented in the programme included Bristol City, Chelsea, London City Lionesses, Manchester United and Liverpool.

The programme is designed to identify, develop and support emerging Welsh talent, and provides an opportunity for eligible players to experience the standards, expectations and environment associated with the Cymru Youth National Teams. 

What does the programme involve?

Delivered over a 12-month period for players born in 2013 and 2014, the programme provides a series of regional development contacts throughout school half terms, with players representing either the North or South regional groups. The camps are delivered at two of the FAW’s National Centres; Colliers Park in Wrexham, and Dragon Park in Newport.

The regional camps, delivered by Youth National Team and Domestic Regional Programme staff, provide players with the opportunity to train within a performance environment, challenge themselves against other talented players and gain valuable experience beyond their everyday club football.

A strategic step in the National Team pathway

The Girls Regional Programme is an important part of the FAW’s commitment to developing the future of Women’s and Girls’ football in Wales.

By creating a clear development opportunity at regional level, the FAW aims to strengthen the identification and development of eligible players, support their progression, and increase the depth of talent available to our Youth National Teams.

Some of the players involved in the programme could be a part of Cymru’s 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad, which Wales are bidding to host alongside the rest of the UK.

The FAW’s Chief Football Officer Dr. David Adams says “Identifying and developing female talent in Wales is a strategic priority. Such player development systems are designed to ensure we can consistently graduate young talent into our Women’s National Team.”

“Evidence of such success is so far 8 players have graduated from the girls regional programme to our Women’s’ National Team.”

Eligibility and representing Cymru

The FAW Girls Regional Programme is designed for players who are eligible to represent the Cymru National Teams.

Players may qualify through one of the following sets of criteria, defined below by FIFA regulations. These eligibility routes apply to players regardless of where they currently live or play their club football.

• Place of birth: The player was born in Wales.
• Parent Birthplace: The player’s parent was born in Wales.
• Grandparent Birthplace: The player’s grandparent was born in Wales.
• Education: The player has completed at least five years of primary or secondary education in Wales and holds, or is eligible to hold, a UK passport.

Identification of future talent is a critical component of an effective player pathway in the international game, and the FAW is always on the lookout for talent at every level. If you think you match what the FAW is looking for to represent Cymru, express your interest here.