In a bid to elevate Welsh football to new heights, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) have unveiled a new six-year strategy to develop the nation’s domestic football structure.
The FAW statement read: “By investing in infrastructure, community engagement, and brand development, the aim is to elevate the Cymru Premier into a thriving league that resonates locally and competes globally.”
Events held in Port Talbot and Wrexham earlier this week began with a premiere of the new RedWall + documentary ‘The League of Wales’ which explored the 32-year history of the league.
FAW Head of Domestic Leagues Jack Sharp then presented the future strategy for the league that is built on eight key strategic pillars.
- Ensure the Cymru Premier competition – Revamped format for Cymru Premier
- Strengthen league administration – Provided by the FAW
- Improve the administrative standards – For Cymru Premier clubs with an investment of €1million
- Build the profile, brand and awareness – For Cymru Premier clubs with an investment of €1million
- Activating Wales – Engaging our communities with supporters boards and community events
- Strengthening our Cymru Premier ‘on-pitch’ product – €860,000 investment to elevate on-field product, including pro contracts, reviewed loan system, greater contact time for players, European competition support programme and introduction of VAR Lite
- Developing Cymru Premier facilities – €1million dedicated to improving facilities and match day experience
- Develop the commercial portfolio – Efforts to boots commercial partnership revenue and increased broadcasting income
The new strategy for the top division includes an expansion of the number of clubs in the league (number yet to be confirmed). The league will also see all games played on Friday evenings from the 2026/27 season in the hopes of growing attendances in avoiding clashes with EFL clubs (after a successful trial period the season prior).
Tier one and two clubs who can present a five-year development plan for their clubs will be eligible for funding from a pot of €1million to help implement their plan and develop facilities at their clubs.
In attempts to strengthen the on-pitch product, the league will also see the introduction of VAR Lite, a six-camera system at all Cymru Premier stadiums that will look for clear and obvious errors, funded by the FAW and UEFA.
The FAW will also take applications from Cymru Premier clubs for new full-time development of domestic football department roles, to have regular contact between the FAW and clubs and invest in marketing and communications content.
Some key dates include:
- May 2024 – Receive grant applications from Cymru Premier clubs for full-time positions
- July 2024 – Friday night kick-off trials, FAW workforce investment
- September 2024 – Independent competition review committee to present findings of new league structure, club development programmes launched
- December 2024 – All Cymru Premier clubs + interested tier two clubs to submit their five-year club development plans
The full six-year strategy can be found at the FAW website.
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