The Welsh FA (FAW) has launched phases two and three of their Project Chwarae pilots, a project that will see leagues across Wales being played between August 2026 and July 2027 (phase 2) and March 2027 until November 2027 (phase 3).
The adjusted schedule should help clubs to mitigate possible call-offs of football games due to the impact of weather on the pitches. Phase one of Project Chwarae was launched earlier this year. Currently four leagues have signed up to participate.
Phase two
Phase 2 invites leagues across a broad range of age groups from U6 through to adult grassroots football to consider participation.
- U6-U11: August 2026 to July 2027
- U12-U16: August 2026 to July 2027
- U17–Adult: August 2026 to June 2027
- Exclusions: Men’s Tiers 1-3 and Women’s Tiers 1-2
This phase will allow leagues to experience an alternative seasonal structure across a full cycle, providing valuable insight into how changes may impact participation, scheduling and overall experience.
Phase three
Phase 3 will focus on a spring-to-autumn season format across selected age groups:
- U6-U10
- U12-U15
- U17-Adult grassroots
- All age groups run: March 2027 to November 2027
- Exclusions: Men’s Tiers 1–3 and Women’s Tiers 1–2
This phase builds on the learning from earlier pilots and offers further opportunities to explore alternative playing calendars.
To support leagues in understanding the pilot phases and what participation involves, the FAW will host a series of online information workshops:
- Wednesday, 25 March – 7:00pm
- Tuesday, 7 April – 7:00pm
- Wednesday, 8 April – 7:00pm
These sessions will provide detailed information on the pilot formats, the application process, and the support available, and offer an opportunity to ask questions.
Leagues interested in attending can register via the Project Chwarae information workshop sign-up form, after which a meeting invitation will be shared.
Expression of interest
While all leagues are encouraged to express their interest in participating, places within the pilot will be limited. Should demand exceed capacity, selections will be made in line with the agreed Project Chwarae pilot principles.