Project Chwarae is the FAW’s long-term review of how grassroots football is delivered across the country.
The project has been developed to improve the experience for players, coaches and volunteers by addressing some of the key challenges faced across the game, most notably the high number of weather-related postponements, alongside wider considerations around participation, enjoyment and sustainability.
To date, the FAW has undertaken an extensive period of research and engagement. This has included analysing national data on postponements and weather trends, gathering insight through a nationwide survey of the grassroots football community, and hosting a series of stakeholder engagement sessions with leagues, Area Associations and clubs across Wales.
These findings have helped shape the next stage of the project – the pilot phase – designed to test potential changes in real-world environments.
Following strong engagement from across the Welsh Football Family at the end of 2025, Project Chwarae has now moved into its pilot phase, with further opportunities now available for leagues to get involved.
Pilot Phase 1 underway
The first phase of the pilot began earlier this year, inviting leagues delivering U6-U10 football to take part in a revised season format running between March 2026 and November 2026, including a planned summer break.
Four leagues have signed up to participate in Phase 1, with work now underway to monitor the impact of the pilot over a 10-month period.
Expanding the pilot: Phases 2 and 3
The FAW is now launching Phases 2 and 3 of the Project Chwarae pilot, offering further opportunities for leagues across Wales to take part and help shape the future of grassroots football.
Pilot Phase 2 (August 2026 – June/July 2027)
Phase 2 invites leagues across a broad range of age groups from U6 through to adult grassroots football to consider participation.
- U6-U11: August 2026 to July 2027
- U12-U16: August 2026 to July 2027
- U17–Adult: August 2026 to June 2027
- Exclusions: Men’s Tiers 1-3 and Women’s Tiers 1-2
This phase will allow leagues to experience an alternative seasonal structure across a full cycle, providing valuable insight into how changes may impact participation, scheduling and overall experience.
Pilot Phase 3 (March 2027 – November 2027)
Phase 3 will focus on a spring-to-autumn season format across selected age groups:
- U6-U10
- U12-U15
- U17-Adult grassroots
- All age groups run: March 2027 to November 2027
- Exclusions: Men’s Tiers 1–3 and Women’s Tiers 1–2
This phase builds on the learning from earlier pilots and offers further opportunities to explore alternative playing calendars.
How leagues can get involved
To support leagues in understanding the pilot phases and what participation involves, the FAW will host a series of online information workshops:
- Wednesday, 25 March – 7:00pm
- Tuesday, 7 April – 7:00pm
- Wednesday, 8 April – 7:00pm
These sessions will provide detailed information on the pilot formats, the application process, the support available, and offer an opportunity to ask questions.
Leagues interested in attending can register via the Project Chwarae information workshop sign-up form, after which a meeting invitation will be shared.
Expression of interest
While all leagues are encouraged to express their interest in participating, places within the pilot will be limited. Should demand exceed capacity, selections will be made in line with the agreed Project Chwarae pilot principles.
Learn more
Further information, including detailed pilot formats and frequently asked questions, is available within the dedicated Project Chwarae section of the FAW website, a link to which is below.
The FAW would like to thank leagues across Wales for their continued support and for the vital role they play in developing and sustaining grassroots football.
Project Chwarae
Find out more information about the project
