The FAW’s BE. Football mentoring programme recently hosted its ‘Shaping the Future’ event to mark the midway point of year four of the programme. The programme aims to support the career progression of young women in football by pairing them with a mentor and providing workshops and shadowing opportunities to increase their confidence and enhance their skills.
Now in its fourth year, the midpoint event provided opportunities for mentors and mentees from the current cohort to meet with mentees from previous years. Encouraging them to network, share experiences and celebrate achievements whilst continuing to push and develop all mentees.
The day kicked off with a speed dating task to encourage guests to identify and share their super strengths. After the icebreaker, the mentors took part in a reflection session with Claire Ewing from Pause. Play. Perform. to review their journey so far and how both they and their mentee can get the most out of the remaining time on the programme.
Meanwhile, the mentees took part in Emma Jay’s “Know Yourself and Show Yourself” session. Emma from Women’s Academy Wales coached the group to better understand who they are, their personality types and how to use that to their advantage. She also spoke about how owning and using your past experiences, even when negative, shapes who you are and can be used as a superpower.
After lunch, the mentees and mentors came together for a “Show Yourself” elevator pitch workshop. In small groups, the mentees were tasked to put together a 60-second elevator pitch to showcase their work, passions, aspirations and goals. Following this, the mentees practiced their pitches to each other, as well as giving and receiving constructive feedback.
The day concluded with a guest panel Q&A, mentee Aimee Palmer chaired the discussion with trailblazers and ex-Cymru players Helen Ward, Gwennan Harries and Bethan Woolley, Women and Girls Strategic Lead at the FAW. Gwennan and Helen reflected on their own playing experiences and how incredible it was to see Cymru attend a major tournament this summer. Bethan Woolley gave an insight into the progress made in the women’s and girls’ game and the work that needs to happen now to capitalise on the moment and push forward in the women’s and girls’ game.
Year four mentee Aimee Palmer said: “The Programme has helped me so much, from learning about myself to experiencing the industry I hope to one day work in.
“My favourite part of the programme so far has been achieving things my younger self only dreamed of, such as hosting a panel and attending Wales press conferences with my mentor. I’ve made friends for life on this programme and I look forward to what not just me but they achieve over this second half.”
Emma Jay, Women’s Academy Wales said: “We were honoured to be a part of midway event for the FAW’s Be Football Mentoring programme, because it totally aligns with our values. Supporting women to grow, succeed in their life and careers, and to step into their personal power is something we are deeply passionate about. To encourage, uplift, and walk alongside women on their journey to success is both a privilege and a joy.”
If you are interested in the BE. Football mentoring programme find out more here.
Applications for year five of the programme will open in early 2026.
