The Football Association of Wales and the Cymru Football Foundation have unveiled their plans for the 22 local authority areas to tackle the shortage of pitches and to meet record participation levels. According to the plan, grassroots football in Wales will require GBP 150 million of investment over the next five years.
By: Newsdesk
The organisations warn that, unless significant investment is secured, Wales could face a shortfall of close to 120 synthetic turf pitches by 2030. At present, Wales is already short of over 50 synthetic turf surfaces.
The plans have identified priority projects across the country. The long-term ambition is to ensure that, by the end of the decade, every community is within a 15-minute drive of a quality football facility.
Well-supported
The plans saw the light thanks to the input that was shared by more than half of the grassroots football clubs in Wales. Collectively, they represent around 70% of all registered players.
According to the Football Association of Wales and the Cymru Football Foundation, demand for facilities has risen sharply since the COVID pandemic.
Since 2022, the number of registered players has increased by 21%, including a 47% rise in women and girls playing the game, a 36% increase in youth players and a 114% increase in disabled players.
Grass and synthetic turf
The plans prioritise the investment in new synthetic turf pitches, the improvement of natural grass pitches, and more small-sided community football facilities.
Due to the growing need for facilities since 2022, the Cymru Football Foundation has invested more than GBP 27 million in football facilities and delivered 46 synthetic turf pitches during that same period.
“Investing in facilities is essential for the future of the game across Cymru – demand is at an all-time high and these Local Football Facility Plans are our strategy to provide essential positive, safe environments for our grassroots players to thrive.
“We know that these improved facilities will have far-reaching benefits for communities beyond the pitch, supporting positive health and wellbeing, providing an economic boost and encouraging a greater sense of community pride.” Football Association of Wales Chief Executive Noel Mooney said demand for grassroots football had never been higher, and investment was needed to ensure facilities kept pace.
According to Cymru Football Foundation Director Aled Lewis, the plans would guide future investment in facilities across Wales.
“We’re excited to reveal our Local Football Facility Plans to help shape the future of facility investment across Cymru.
“These plans will shape future conversations and partnerships with football clubs, leagues, area associations and local authorities to successfully implement and deliver priority facility projects.”
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