Changes to girls’ football development

The Football Association of Wales is restructuring its girls’ football development pathway.

To ensure equal opportunities for female players and to comply with updated UEFA and FIFA regulations, the FAW is launching the National Academi (Girls). As a result, the FAW Girls Development Centre will be phased out.

Why Is This Change Necessary?

The popularity of Girls’ football has seen participation increase within Girls’ football that has lead to an imbalance of competitiveness within some grassroots leagues. As a result, some players are not being provided with an appropriate level of challenge.

In addition, to aid the growth of Women’s and Girls’ football, UEFA now requires Genero Adran League clubs to establish youth teams in order to qualify for European competitions. Additionally, FIFA’s one player/one club (1P/1C) rule mandates that players may only be registered with one club at a time.

With the growth in popularity and to align with UEFA and FIFA policies, the FAW will create a structured, transparent pathway for female players and as a result will implement a model similar to the Boys’ National Academi.

Key Changes to the Development Structure

The newly established National Academi (Girls) will ensure the gap between grassroots football and the National Teams is serviced with high quality female player development environments.

These club-affiliated academies will provide high-level coaching, competitive environments, and professional support systems to maximize player potential and unearth talent.

The new structure will also help to address the competitive imbalance that currently exists, due to the growth Girls’ participation, and ensure enjoyable experiences continue for all participants.

Implementation Timeline

The National Academi (Girls) is scheduled to launch in the 2025/26 season. Currently, 15 clubs have expressed interest and meet the eligibility criteria based on their Genero Adran League status or existing academy structures. It is projected that 10 to 12 clubs will officially participate within the first two years of the programme.

Transition of the FAW Girls Academy

The existing FAW Girls Academy in the North and South will be renamed the FAW Girls Regional Programme. This initiative will continue to focus on developing elite players aged 12-16, ensuring the sustained success of Cymru’s Women’s National Teams.

Is Joining a National Academi Club Mandatory?

No, players are not required to join a National Academi club to be eligible for the FAW Girls Regional Programme. Many girls currently compete in mixed-sex leagues, including the Boys’ National Academi, before advancing to the regional programme. The introduction of the National Academi (Girls) provides an alternative for those seeking a structured, girls-only pathway.

Impact on Grassroots Football

Following a year-long consultation process and analysis of registration trends, the FAW has designed this initiative to support long-term player development. The National Academi (Girls) will initially focus on younger age groups, particularly small-sided football at the U13 level and below. FIFA’s 1P/1C rule applies from U12 onwards, allowing younger players to remain in grassroots environments before transitioning into the academy system.

Further Information and Support

Tom Peevor, the FAW National Academi Manager (Girls), will oversee the programme’s implementation, ensuring that clubs meet the required standards and that the transition is as seamless as possible.

The FAW remains dedicated to fostering the growth of women’s and girls football in Wales, providing young players with the best opportunities to develop and compete at the highest levels.

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