The FA of Wales has seen its first-ever Women and Girls’ Strategy, ‘Our Wales: For Her’, make progress on five key targets.
With the strategy having been set in 2021, the FAW has now shared progress updates on those targets, following the 2023/24 season.
• Doubling Participation: Since launching the strategy, participation has increased by 45%, with 15,898 women and girls participating in football during the 2023/24 season.
• Doubling the Fanbase: Since 2021, attendances at Domestic Adran Leagues fixtures and at Cymru National Team fixtures has soared. National team games have seen a 198% increase in attendance, growing from an average of 1,800 to 5,370 spectators, surpassing the initial target.
• Doubling the Investment: Thanks to the incredible support from stakeholders and partners, investment in women’s and girls’ football in Wales has increased by 254% since 2021.
• Cymru on the World Stage: Since the strategy launch the Cymru National Team qualified for a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 play-off place, and aims to qualify for the UEFA Women’s European Championships 2025 with crucial play-off fixtures scheduled for October 2024.
• Representation: The FAW has worked hard to improve gender diversity in its governance, achieving an 18% increase in gender parity on the FAW Board.
FAW Senior Women & Girls Grassroots Manager said: “There has been significant growth across all areas of women’s and girls’ football in Wales over the past three years. The support from key stakeholders has been instrumental in elevating the game to new heights. We’re excited to continue this journey, ensuring that every woman and girl in Wales has the opportunity to thrive in football.”
FAW Chief Executive Officer Noel Mooney said: “We are thrilled with the rapid growth of the women’s and girls’ game across Wales. The Our Wales: For Her strategy is ambitious, and the progress made so far is monumental. The FAW is committed to building on this success and reaching even greater heights.”