Is the future of Welsh football in safe hands?

Our South Wales based football writer David Collins has enjoyed an odyssey around the Welsh football landscape recently. Here, he reflects on some of the key themes he found on his travels.

 “May you live in interesting times” is an English translation of a traditional Chinese curse. Whilst the term “interesting” generally refers to times of trouble, as a wider epitaph, it could well apply to football in Wales in late 2025.

 For wherever we look, the game offers interest, drama, ambition and excitement.

Our gallant women recently returned from their first ever European tournament. The men chase World Cup glory, led by a manager who will accept only the best, be that in performance, quality of opposition or pride in the shirt.

The club scene is “interesting” to say the least.

The story of Wrexham FC could fill a whole book, as they look to push on following a meteoric rise under Hollywood owners. Swansea City have hosted an international game after many years, when a healthy crowd created a lively atmosphere. Cardiff City have started the season with energy and flair, delivered by a crop of local youngsters.

Perhaps slightly under the radar, comes Merthyr Town, whose rise to the second tier of the English non-league pyramid has been enjoyed in front of attendances which would be the envy of many teams in the domestic JD Cymru Premier structure. The club offers an enjoyable fan experience, as I discovered when I attended their recent FA Cup victory over Torpoint.

 At a media conference in September, Football Association of Wales Chief Executive Noel Mooney put much of this into context.

He outlined the results of independent research on the state of the game in Wales and described the FAW’s long term strategy.

We heard how football was the major sport in Wales, spanning age groups and genders. A plethora of stats helped us digest these arguments.

Mooney highlighted improvements to the FAW’s governance arrangements and the influence of academies at the professional clubs. Diversity and inclusion were key drivers. Names dropped included Ian Rush, Dan James and Caernarfon Town.

But what does all this mean for the fans on the terraces; for the bucket hat wearing hoards of the Red Wall?

Well, first of all, the venue.

The conference was held in a new, state-of-the-art media suite. The wonderful facilities had been built on the success of the international teams. We stood on the shoulders of giants. Bale, Ramsey, Fishlock. It felt like we were sat in the future.

Mooney described plans for investment and the place of football in society. Football could help deliver “Happy and Healthy Communities.”

We heard about ambassador programmes, fan engagement, summer football options, wellness, safeguarding, Euro 2028, inspiring women and girls (“If you can see you can be her”), the Golden Thread of the history of Welsh football – 150 years old next year – and the place of Welsh football on the world stage.

VAR was coming to Welsh football we were reminded. Too late for Joe Jordan in 1977 but still a welcome initiative. Interesting stats on the travel costs of reaching Kazakhstan with the players in top condition by the way

High Performance was an aspiration of course, Bellamy insists on that, but this comes at a cost. The best costs. Do our international teams have everything they need to win? The CEO even emphasised the importance of using the Principality Stadium ahead of forthcoming tournaments.

Like I say, interesting times.

Perhaps the overarching message from Noel’s House Party, was the extent to which all parties in Wales now pull together. Clubs, the FAW, Welsh Government, fans, the media. Ambition needs to be nurtured. Mooney discussed potential infrastructure around stadiums like Wrexham and developments at Denbigh and Prestatyn. North Wales was high on his To Do list.

My recent perambulations around the Welsh soccer scene reinforced all of this. I have observed the progress made but also reminded Mooney of priorities such as improving the match day experience at JD Cymru Premier games. He made a strong case. It isn’t One Size Fits All, but a case of all for one, one for all, perhaps.

I have felt the emotion of Craig Bellamy; witnessed his drive in addressing the media after defeat to Canada. Merthyr Town offered a vibrant experience. The ambition of Haverfordwest shone out on my recent visit there, led by the inspirational Beccy Nuttall. Young stars at Cardiff City, the glitz of Wrexham, the stubborn resilience of Newport County. It’s a glass half full for certain.

Sure, there must be competition between clubs, but my recent experiences have shown how all parties are currently all doing their bit to create a vibrant Welsh soccer scene. The future probably depends on all of these combinations. Mooney’s conference reiterated this.

Together, stronger.

Now where have I heard that before.

DAVID COLLINS