The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has produced a new school framework, titled, CicStart.
Developed in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, the unique resource is designed to enhance football provision for children aged 7-11 in primary and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) schools across Wales.
The CicStart Framework is a structured resource that aims to support deliverers in creating fun, safe, and inclusive football opportunities as part of a school’s multi-sport offer. The new framework focuses on the importance of increasing participation, learning, and development.
The introduction and implementation of CicStart comes at a pivotal time for Welsh football, ahead of Cymru’s participation in UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. The FAW recognises this summer will be a gamechanger for interest and participation in Welsh football, and CicStart aims to support with this growing demand.
The framework hopes to ensure a consistent, high-quality football experience for children across Wales by supporting educators and coaches with training and resources, whilst providing clear pathways to grassroots opportunities. CicStart also highlights the role of football in education, promoting health, wellbeing, and physical literacy, while contributing to the New Curriculum for Wales.
FAW Head of Grassroots Football, Ben Field said: “The CicStart Framework marks a significant step forward for football in schools across Wales. By supporting educators and deliverers in providing high-quality football experiences for children of all abilities through school activities, we are ensuring football can remain a fun, inclusive, and developmental experience for all children.
“Thanks to our collaboration with Youth Sport Trust and the support of other key partners across the game, this framework will empower educators and coaches with essential resources, whilst aligning with initiatives such as Disability Sport Wales’ Activity Inclusion Model to create truly child-centred experiences that support wellbeing and the development of integral skills.
“We are so appreciative of the workforce of skilled and confident deliverers implementing the framework and ensuring that football plays a key role in education, health, and wellbeing. We are really excited to see schools, coaches, and communities embrace CicStart and help shape the future of Welsh football.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said: “Good physical and mental health are fundamental for our learners to develop and thrive. It’s great that Welsh football is flourishing, and a new generation of children and young people are inspired to develop their skills, keep healthy and active and to enjoy playing football.
“The CicStart Framework is such an exciting development that will support schools and settings to bring together physical activity and learning. I am thankful to both the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Youth Sport Trust for developing this innovative new framework which will benefit so many of our learners here in Wales.”
CicStart
For further information and access to the CicStart Framework
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