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The Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Admiral are proud to announce the extension of their Ready toPlay partnership, launching a new Girls Team Development Fund to help drive the creation of 150 new U6–U9 girls’ teams by 2028.
After a successful initial two years of partnership, Ready to Play will now expand its reach, covering fees related to kits, registration, coach education, facility hire, and venue costs, helping clubs across Wales overcome barriers to accessing the game.
Admiral’s renewed support has already helped establish 50 new girls’ teams this year, with an additional 100 planned over the next three years, ensuring more young girls than ever can enjoy football in their communities.
Lorna Connelly, Admiral’s People Director, said: “After a successful initial two years of partnership, we’re excited to continue growing our Ready to Play programme with the FAW, launching a new Girls Team Development Fund to drive the creation of 150 new U6s to U9s girls’ teams by 2028.
“We’re proud champions of the FAW’s goal of increasing female participation in football. We know the great impact that sport in the community can have on the next generation as they go on to carry key skills into their future careers, relationships, and life in general.”
The new Admiral Girls Team Development Fund builds on the FAW’s existing investment in girls’ football through the Amser Ni Fund, launched during Cymru’s inspiring participation in UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
The Amser Ni Fund was designed to harness the momentum of Cymru’s WEURO journey and build a lasting legacy from the tournament. Backed by an initial £50,000 FAW investment, the fund helped grassroots clubs establish the creation of 85 new girls’ teams at Under-6 to Under-9 level. Now, thanks to Admiral’s additional investment and ongoing support, there will be even more opportunities for young girls to start their footballing journey and develop within the game.
This progress forms part of the FAW’s wider strategic aim to double female participation in football by 2026, with more than 19,300 women and girls now actively involved in the game. The FAW’s Grassroots Strategy also includes a target to increase participation among girls aged 5–11 by 50% by 2030.
FAW Women & Girls Strategy Lead, Bethan Woolley said: “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Admiral to deliver the new Ready to Play fund, and we’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.
“This investment will build on the incredible growth already achieved through the Amser Ni Fund. Cymru’s journey to UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 inspired a generation, and it’s fantastic to see that inspiration now turning into real opportunities for girls across Wales.”
Ben Field, FAW Head of Grassroots, added: “The FAW is fully committed to growing the game for girls aged 5 to 11. With strong partnerships and strategic investment, we’re helping to create a future where every girl in Wales has the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive through football.”
