
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is the national governing body for association football in Wales and is the third-oldest national football association in the world. Founded in 1876, the FAW is responsible for the governance, development, promotion, and regulation of football across Wales, overseeing grassroots participation, elite player development, coach education, referee training, safeguarding, and domestic competitions. Headquartered at the FAW National Football Development Centre in Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, the association manages the Cymru Premier, Cymru North, Cymru South, Adran Premier, domestic cup competitions, and the Welsh national teams at senior and youth levels for both men and women. As a member of FIFA, UEFA, and the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the FAW plays an important role in the international development of the game. The association has invested significantly in football infrastructure, talent identification, high-performance coaching, and grassroots programmes through initiatives such as Huddle, BE.FC, and its network of regional development centres. The FAW also operates modern education programmes for coaches and referees and works closely with clubs, schools, local authorities, and community organisations to increase participation and improve standards throughout Welsh football. Through its strategic vision, sustainability initiatives, equality and inclusion programmes, and investment in women's and girls' football, the FAW aims to make football accessible to everyone while supporting the continued success of Welsh clubs and national teams on the international stage. The organisation is recognised for its commitment to innovation, governance, and long-term development, ensuring football remains a positive force within communities across Wales.
