‘Unacceptable’ gap in women’s football is costing Wales talent, campaigners claim

Soraya Kelly knows none of this comes free and admits funding can be a stumbling block. This is where he thinks the Welsh Government can come in.

Currently the FAW’s main source of income is commercial revenue and from international governing bodies such as FIFA and UEFA. But that didn’t help the situation as the men’s team failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup.

The Welsh Government supports the FAW at grassroots level with projects such as stadia development and new infrastructure.

For example, to mark Wales’ women’s historic appearance at Euro 2025, the ‘Partner Support Fund’ supported 16 grassroots, cultural and educational organizations to promote participation and equality in sport.

Sport Wales – the body responsible for the development and promotion of sport in Wales – provides public and lottery funding to the FAW through grants in partnership with the Welsh Government.

Any offer of Welsh Government help to fund a new elite route would likely require sensitive negotiations with the FAW.

In a statement, the Welsh Government said: “Ensuring opportunities for women and girls to take part in sport is essential to building a confident, ambitious Wales. The Welsh Government is committed to working closely with governing bodies to expand opportunities and remove barriers. Women’s sport has the power to strengthen communities and strengthen lives on the international stage.”

It added: “The Football Association of Wales leads the governance and development of the sport, including ongoing discussions about strengthening pathways such as the Wales Women’s Under 21 or Under 23 teams. Through Sport Wales, we are investing in the future of women’s sport, increasing participation, supporting national organizations and helping to develop the next generation of elites.”

Kelly plans to launch the campaign in August and already has the support of Race Council Cymru, the Black Police Association, Her Game Two and Vale of Glamorgan MP Kanishk Narayan. He is due to meet UEFA vice president and former Wales captain Laura McAllister soon.

“I understand it’s for funding. The FAW only get a certain amount of money. So the Welsh Government needs to step in so that there’s equality for our girls as well as our boys in Wales,” Kelly said.

“Boys get it and always have. There’s funding for boys, but not for girls and that needs to change.

“We have lots and lots of people who are really passionate about this and trying to help develop this pathway.

“The women’s game has come a long way and how are we going to be able to compete against the likes of England going forward if we don’t have that middle buffer?”