Written by members of the FAW National Youth Council
The Football Association of Wales recently hosted its annual FAW Youth Conference, bringing together 100 young people from across Wales for inspiring events at Dragon Park in Newport and Colliers Park in Wrexham.
Delivered with the support of the FAW National Youth Council, the conferences offered a day of workshops and activities designed to support the development of young leaders within Welsh football.
The participants took part in Cymru Football Foundation‘s Designing Facilities Fit for Us workshop, which encouraged attendees to share their views on football facilities across Wales and discuss what they would like to see in future developments.
The session highlighted how the voices of young people can help shape more accessible, inclusive and welcoming facilities, improving the experiences and services available at clubs across the country.
Jess Magness and Rob Light from S4C and Colab Cymru delivered an engaging session that looked beyond football, focusing on the importance of developing a personal brand and staying true to their core values. The session encouraged participants to reflect on their individual strengths, recognise what makes them unique, and understand how promoting their values and beliefs can support both their football journey and future professional careers.
In a session called The Big Football Conversation, participants were given the opportunity to hear from colleagues across the FAW about their career journeys, showcasing the wide variety of opportunities available within football. From refereeing and safeguarding to sustainability and football services, attendees gained valuable insight into the many roles that help shape the game, as well as the diverse paths people have taken to build their careers. The session inspired many to consider where their own ambitions could take them in the future.
The conference concluded with practical outdoor sessions delivered by FAW CicStart and Street Football Wales. Participants embraced the opportunity to put their football knowledge into practice through a series of inclusive, engaging and enjoyable activities.
Everyone rotated through both sessions focused on building confidence, developing new skills, strengthening connections with FAW staff and programme facilitators, and making new friendships.
Across both the Newport and Wrexham conferences, one thing was clear – the next generation of young leaders are passionate about shaping the future of Welsh football.
Through the PAWB initiatives programme, the FAW continues to provide opportunities that empower young people to have their voices heard and play an active role in creating a game where football truly is for everyone.
For anyone passionate about football and want to make a difference in their community, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved through the FAW’s PAWB initiatives.
Whether young people are interested in developing their leadership skills, influencing the future of the game or becoming part of the FAW National Youth Council, more details on how to get involved can be found on the PAWB Initiatives page by clicking here.
