FAW ONE CLUB RULE.

Hi all, I know most of you are aware or heard rumours most the last few seasons regarding UEFA forcing the FAW to adopt this ‘one club rule’. This is where if a child that has been selected to attend an FAW academy, then they will no longer be able to play for their grassroots team. I have been informed that this will be voted on and if passed, will be implemented potentially from U8’s to U16’s. At present to FAW have held a meeting with all FAW Academies to discuss how this will look. I cannot work out why they have only met with FAW academies, as whatever decision is taken. This will not effect them is any way but the grassroots teams across the country. 

I have been involved with many levels of ability of coaching for this last 12 years but have spent my last 3 years at grassroots level on my decision to push my local club to get to the highest accreditation the FAW wanted all Clubs to strive for. But for what? We are potentially now going to lose junior age groups and possibly mini teams if this does come in to force for the 2022/2023 season with even consulting the grassroots teams where these players start out. I am now looking and most probably speak for many committee members at other grassroots teams on what is the point of starting g up an U6 team for them to possibly fold 2 seasons later. 

I have had the conversation with my my club parents and basically told them the choices they will need to make if this does happen and if they decide for their children to pick their Academy team, then the other players left in the team would need to find other clubs for next season. A lot of these players have been part of the team for over 7 years and have made strong friendships with each other. A lot now feel let down by the decision of UFEA and the FAW. Personally I can understand if these Academies are from Pro Clubs and offer the same amount of training/game time as in the English pyramid system (roughly 11 hours per week). These kids at present are only getting around 4 hours per week and roughly 3 hours with their chosen grassroots team. To now half this is crazy in my eyes. My son is involved with both grassroots and an FAW Academy and if given the choice would carry on doing both for his development and give him the maximum game time for his to excel. Taking away grassroots will only limit this. Also in my opinion if this does get voted in, this will only increase the private Academies/teams that will pop up and compete in unaffiliated leagues across the whole of the county. Also in my opinion the FAW Academies will not get the so called best talented players as they have possibly made the decision to stay with their chosen grassroots team. 

I have spoken to many coaches from across South Wales and most feel the same that the FAW are not listening to the grassroots teams and the communities this will effect. I have also been asked to set up a partition for grassroots teams, parents and players to show our disapproval towards the possible ‘one club rule’ to allow us to have a voice.

I know people will have their own opinions on either side but feel for the good of the game that this cannot happen

Yours in sport