Latest news with #FAW
North Wales Chronicle
15 hours ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Bala Town FC manager resigns after 22-year spell with club
Colin Caton's resignation came 'with deep regret', the club said in a statement this morning (June 3). Caton was described as 'an unbelievable servant' of the club, which he had been associated with since 2003. He was praised for having 'transformed us from a team languishing at a low level in Tier 3 to the very top of Welsh domestic football'. A club statement read: 'The club have had a hugely difficult and challenging 12 months, and the culmination of this has resulted in Colin facing an almost impossible task to continue in his position. 'The issues which we, as a small club within the JD Cymru Premier League, (face) have been widely discussed, but there has been no assistance or resolution regarding the concerns raised.' Last month, Bala Town made the 'difficult' decision to withdraw from the Football Association of Wales' (FAW) National Academi programme. The club said it is no longer able to sustain a full player development pathway into its first team as a result of new academy licensing changes. In March 2023, Bala Town was awarded a category C license under the leadership of then-head of academy, Carwyn Edwards. But the club said this decision led to the 'immediate withdrawal of all financial support from the FAW over the past two years'. Bala Town said it has since had to self-fund its academy's continued operation. 'The challenges have had a personal effect on many involved in our club, but we remain resolute in our determination to continue our journey at the very highest level of domestic football in Wales. 'He leaves after 880 matches at the helm and an encyclopaedia of achievements: promotion in his first season to the Cymru Alliance, then three NEWFA Challenge Cup and three Cymru Alliance League Cup wins, then promotion at last after five seasons into the Welsh Premier League in 2009, and then 16 years consecutively in the Cymru Premier. 'The club will be forever grateful to Colin for his outstanding service, his complete commitment to the position, his dedication, his enthusiasm, his determination, his professionalism and his outstanding achievements. 'His resignation will not affect the bond of friendship and family which he has with so many within the club. 'His resignation will never lessen the wonderful memories and his resignation will certainly never dim the admiration, the respect and the gratitude which Bala Town holds for Colin.' Bala Town added that it will now 'take the necessary steps to safeguard the future' of the club.
Pembrokeshire Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Football stars to open new pitch in Narberth
Joe Allen and Liam Cullen to headline community celebration A NEW era for grassroots football in Narberth kicks off on Friday, 13th June, as Narberth AFC Juniors officially open their new Green Ways Sports Field – with a helping hand from Welsh internationals Joe Allen and Liam Cullen. The community is invited to join the celebrations from 4:30pm at the new pitch on Jesse Road, next to Narberth CP School, for the official opening ceremony at 5:00pm. The ceremony will also feature Ben Field, Director of Grassroots Football at the FAW. This major milestone marks the culmination of years of fundraising and dedication by volunteers determined to create a modern facility for local children and young athletes. Later that evening, the spotlight turns to The Plas, Narberth, for a special Celebratory Fundraising Dinner – an over-18s event starting at 7:30pm for 8:00pm. Guests will enjoy: A 2-course meal A live Q&A session with Joe Allen and Liam Cullen with Joe Allen and Liam Cullen An Auction of Promises Live music from Richard Henton and The Heathens Tickets are priced at £40 per person and are selling fast. Organisers say the evening promises to be a night to remember – celebrating local pride, sporting ambition, and the stars inspiring the next generation. To book tickets, contact Matthew Johns on 07867 426662 or email matthew_johns@
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
FAW to defer bid to host Champions League final
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has deferred its bid to host the 2027 Uefa Women's Champions League final to a later FAW remains committed to staging the game at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, which hosted the men's Champions League final in following talks with the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council, the FAW has taken the joint decision to focus its efforts on 2028 or 2029. Uefa's executive committee will meet in Bilbao, Spain, on Wednesday morning, before Manchester United face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final at the Basque city's San Mames Stadium that European football's governing body has postponed its appointment of hosts for the 2027 men's and women's Champions League finals until the executive committee's meeting in September "for operational reasons".Last October, the FAW was one of four national governing bodies to express an interest in hosting the women's final, along with those of Poland, Spain and Stadion Narodowy is understood to be the favourite, with Barcelona's Nou Camp and St Jakob-Park in Basel also in the has hosted the Women's Champions League final once before, with Lyon beating Paris Saint-Germain on penalties at Cardiff City Stadium in will also be one of the host nations for the 2035 Women's World Cup, alongside England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ceredigion County Council new Chair elected for 2025-26
Initiative aims to tackle stigma and improve wellbeing across grassroots sport FOOTBALL clubs across Wales are being offered access to mental health awareness training as part of a nationwide drive to support players, coaches, and local communities. The initiative, backed by Mind Cymru, UK Coaching, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), will provide around 1,000 e-learning course places to clubs. The training will equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), and follows the recent publication of the Welsh Government's Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The course aims to break down stigma, address risk factors, and promote a positive sporting environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised. While the immediate focus is on raising awareness, Sport Wales is also developing a long-term preventative approach for the wider sporting sector. A launch event was held on Thursday (May 15) at Barry Town United FC, attended by former Wales goalkeeper and FAW ambassador Neville Southall, Sports Minister Jack Sargeant MS, and Barry Town Club Secretary David Cole. For Minister Sargeant, the campaign carries deep personal significance. He entered politics in the wake of his father Carl Sargeant's death by suicide in 2017, and in 2022, lost his best friend Jamie Wynne – a fellow football enthusiast – in similar circumstances. Speaking at the launch, he said: 'It means so much to me to help kick this programme off during Mental Health Awareness Week. 'This isn't an easy subject to speak about, but I know the importance of opening up. This is the best way I can honour Jamie, who believed so passionately in the power of grassroots football to bring people together. 'Sport – and football in particular – can be a powerful tool to reach those who might not otherwise seek help. If this training leads to even one meaningful conversation, it will have been worth it.' Wales men's national team Head Coach Craig Bellamy added his support: 'We all need to take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health. This training will give clubs the tools to play their part, and I'd encourage every club in Wales to get involved.' Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said the course has the potential to make a real difference: 'We want to build a culture where people feel safe to seek support without fear or judgement. 'This training can empower people to spot the signs, offer compassionate support, and help others access the services they need. It's about creating real change at every level of Welsh sport.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh football clubs to receive mental health awareness training
Initiative aims to tackle stigma and improve wellbeing across grassroots sport FOOTBALL clubs across Wales are being offered access to mental health awareness training as part of a nationwide drive to support players, coaches, and local communities. The initiative, backed by Mind Cymru, UK Coaching, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), will provide around 1,000 e-learning course places to clubs. The training will equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), and follows the recent publication of the Welsh Government's Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The course aims to break down stigma, address risk factors, and promote a positive sporting environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised. While the immediate focus is on raising awareness, Sport Wales is also developing a long-term preventative approach for the wider sporting sector. A launch event was held on Thursday (May 15) at Barry Town United FC, attended by former Wales goalkeeper and FAW ambassador Neville Southall, Sports Minister Jack Sargeant MS, and Barry Town Club Secretary David Cole. For Minister Sargeant, the campaign carries deep personal significance. He entered politics in the wake of his father Carl Sargeant's death by suicide in 2017, and in 2022, lost his best friend Jamie Wynne – a fellow football enthusiast – in similar circumstances. Speaking at the launch, he said: 'It means so much to me to help kick this programme off during Mental Health Awareness Week. 'This isn't an easy subject to speak about, but I know the importance of opening up. This is the best way I can honour Jamie, who believed so passionately in the power of grassroots football to bring people together. 'Sport – and football in particular – can be a powerful tool to reach those who might not otherwise seek help. If this training leads to even one meaningful conversation, it will have been worth it.' Wales men's national team Head Coach Craig Bellamy added his support: 'We all need to take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health. This training will give clubs the tools to play their part, and I'd encourage every club in Wales to get involved.' Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said the course has the potential to make a real difference: 'We want to build a culture where people feel safe to seek support without fear or judgement. 'This training can empower people to spot the signs, offer compassionate support, and help others access the services they need. It's about creating real change at every level of Welsh sport.'
