FAW Licensed Academy Programme

The FAW Licensed Academy program is a recognised step in the FAW Talent Pathway which sits above the Grassroots Game but below the professional game, the Welsh regional training program and Welsh national youth teams.  

There are currently 24 Licensed academies in Wales, 12 of which are UEFA grant funded as they are linked to teams playing in the Cymru Premier League.

The other 12 unfunded licensed academies are linked to clubs not currently in the Cymru Premier League.

UEFA Youth development funding is ring-fenced for those clubs playing in the top division in each national association. 

The benefits of participating in the FAW Licensed academy program include:

1. Exposure to regularly audited and FAW supported football provision
2. A quality assured skill acquisition program
3. A robust national games program
4. A pathway into the FAW Regional/National Program which includes the Cymru Cup, the FAW/Trust flagship talent ID event, for Welsh qualified players.
   

Additional measures have been introduced to assist and support clubs to continue to raise standards, and provisions have been implemented to provide players within the system the best opportunity to progress along the FAW Elite Player Pathway.

Cardiff City Academy and Newport County Academy also form part of the south games programme, while Wrexham will join the north games programme. 

FAW Technical Director Dave Adams said: "We are delighted to welcome the professional clubs across Wales into our Licensed Academies south / north games programme, this step change enables players to be challenged on a more consistent basis and will in turn support player development"

FAW LICENCED ACADEMIES

Use the map below to find your nearest FAW Licenced academy and contact their head of coaching.