The launch of the Cymru Football Foundation is the start of another exciting chapter in Welsh football. The new charity will support the development of football facilities through investment, assistance and guidance.
The Cymru Football Foundation will deliver the Football Association of Wales’ (FAW) commitment to develop inspirational fit-for-future football facilities that will improve and grow Welsh football on and off the pitch and is preparing to undertake the largest programme of funding in the history of Welsh football.
The standard of football facilities across Wales, particularly at grassroots level, requires coordinated long-term investment to deliver the most accessible and appropriate environments for current and future members of the Welsh football family.
The Cymru Football Foundation will play a leading role in addressing this challenge by delivering a series of facility development programmes that will develop outstanding football facilities, resulting in more players and better experiences – helping improve the health and wellbeing of the nation.
The priorities of the Cymru Football Foundation will be to support projects that:
- Enable stronger and sustainable community focussed clubs
- Grow opportunities and improve experiences for women and girls
- Support wider community needs and tackle inequalities
The FAW, FIFA and UEFA, are committing multi-million pounds worth of investment to improving facilities in Wales through the Cymru Football Foundation. The UK Government have also committed to the development of grassroots facilities across the UK by 2025.
Aled Lewis, Head of Facility Investment and Operations at the Cymru Football Foundation, said: “The launch of the Cymru Football Foundation is a significant development for Welsh football.
“Access to appropriate and high-quality facilities are integral to the experiences of every player, coach, volunteer and referee in Wales.
“To have a dedicated organisation whose purpose is to develop Inspirational and Fit-for-Future Facilities will enable us to improve and grow football facilities across the country.”
To mark the launch of the Cymru Football Foundation, two grant programmes have become active:
Fit-for-Future Equipment Fund
- Funded by the FAW and UK Government (DCMS)
- Small grants up to £30,000 available covering essential equipment from goalposts to pitch maintenance equipment
- Closing date: 30 November
Fit-for-Future Facilities Programme
- Funded by the FAW and UK Government (DCMS)
- Large and small grants up to £300,000 supporting capital projects from grass-pitch improvements to changing room developments
- Closing date: 6 January
For more information on the Cymru Football Foundation and the active grant programmes, visit cff.cymru.
