The Football Association of Wales has launched Year 2 of the PAWB Mentoring Programme, building on the strong foundations and success of its inaugural year.
The launch event took place at Dragon Park, the FAW National Football Development Centre, and brought together a new cohort of mentees, committed mentors, and senior figures from across Welsh football to begin the nine-month development journey.
Following a highly impactful first year, the programme continues to provide a structured pathway into football for individuals from Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds who are interested in exploring opportunities within the game.
Year 1 demonstrated the power of mentoring, connection, and targeted development, with mentees gaining confidence, expanding networks, and progressing into new opportunities across football. Year 2 builds on that momentum with an enhanced programme structure, deeper mentor engagement, and continued focus on long-term impact.
The launch day created space for reflection, ambition, and inspiration, with contributions from key figures across the game who shared personal insights, leadership experiences, and practical advice for navigating a career in football.
What the PAWB Mentoring Programme Provides
The PAWB Mentoring Programme is an entry-level initiative designed to remove barriers and open doors into the football industry. Each mentee receives:
• A personal mentor from within the football industry.
• Networking opportunities with senior leaders and professionals across the game.
• In-person and online development workshops.
• Role shadowing experiences and behind-the-scenes insight into football organisations.
• Practical tools and guided tasks to build confidence, clarify purpose, and support professional growth.
The programme forms part of the FAW’s wider commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion through its Our Wales and PAWB EDI Strategy, ensuring football in Wales reflects the communities it serves and is accessible to all.
Speaking at the launch, Jason Webber, FAW Senior Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager, said:
“The launch of Year 2 of the PAWB Mentoring Programme represents more than just the continuation of an initiative; it reflects our commitment to building lasting change. The success of Year 1 showed what is possible when opportunity, mentorship, and belief come together.
This programme is about creating genuine pathways into football, increasing representation across the game, and ensuring talented individuals from all backgrounds can see a future for themselves in Welsh football. We are not just supporting individuals, we are strengthening the future of the game in Wales.”
Looking Ahead
Over the next nine months, mentees will work closely with their mentors to set meaningful goals, develop skills, explore career pathways, and build valuable industry connections. They will complete structured development tasks, participate in role shadowing experiences, and ultimately present their personal journey at a closing celebration event later in the year.
With the momentum from Year 1 and a renewed commitment from mentors and senior leaders across the game, Year 2 of the PAWB Mentoring Programme marks another important step in the FAW’s ambition to create a more inclusive, representative, and forward-looking football environment in Wales.
For more information about the PAWB Mentoring Programme and future opportunities, click HERE.
