With Cymru Men’s National Team one game away from a first World Cup finals since 1958, the Women’s National Team well placed to qualify for a first ever World Cup, Football Association of Wales CEO Noel Mooney is marking Volunteers Week by thanking the more than 17,000 volunteers involved in Welsh grassroots football. He is also calling on football lovers across Wales to volunteer in the beautiful game and ensure the wait for the biggest stage isn’t so long next time around.
Noel Mooney said: “With football’s growth at many levels all over Wales and our national teams being more successful on the pitch than ever we‘re living in the halcyon days of Welsh football. This has only been possible thanks to the tireless work of our grassroots volunteers the length and breadth of the country. We have more than 17,000 volunteers and each one is playing a crucial role. They are the ones who’ve brought us 90 minutes away from the World Cup. Neco Williams began his football journey thanks to volunteers at Cefn United, Joe Allen has Tenby AFC to thank and Natasha Harding cut her teeth at Bargoed YMCA and before winning 100 caps.”
Noel added: “Much like on the field, despite our recent successes the hard work isn’t done yet and I’m calling on football fans up and down Cymru to pitch in and help us progress at every level. With so many different kinds of roles at our community clubs there is a way for each and every one of us to contribute.”
Cymru Men’s National Team Manager Robert Page added his thanks to grassroots volunteers: “Everything from cutting the grass, sitting on committees, making the tea, washing the kit or coaching. There are so many jobs that puts football at the heart of our communities. Without the hard work from our volunteers across the country Welsh football simply wouldn’t happen.”
Cymru Women’s National Team Manager Gemma Grainger said: “Wind, rain or even those occasional sunny days in Cymru, we have a team of volunteers who are out keeping our clubs going, making sure our children can enjoy their football, spending their evenings and weekends at clubs because they know how important playing is for everyone to be fit & healthy”.
