FAW High-Performance Strategy | Evolving an amazing legacy
Gary Speed was the catalyst for creating a high-performance culture throughout Welsh football, when he was appointed national men's team manager in 2010.
His vision created a set of 'Welsh Way' principles that are now fully integrated into the FAW National Syllabus and run throughout the domestic game and Cymru men's and women's national teams.
They undoubtedly contributed to Cymru's success at Euro 2016 and 2020 and will continue to do so for generations to come.
Now the target is a first men's World Cup since 1958 and first ever Women's World Cup, evolving Speed's amazing legacy has become a key focus for the FA Wales.
Having learned that top level successes are defined by fine margins, such as last-ditch tackles, goal line clearances, goals in added time, or the mental toughness required to score or save a penalty, the FAW High Performance Strategy aims to focus resources, time and effort into the most effective areas, referred to as marginal gains, to enhance Cymru's opportunity of success on the world stage.
In order to drive high performance within Welsh football, four key pillars will provide the focus to provide an environment to improve generations of talented Welsh players.
Talent ID & Retention
Our ability to identify the most talented Welsh eligible male and female players and retain them.
Person Centred Support Services
How we provide holistic person-centred services as well as developing the footballer, including areas such as injury prevention, nutrition, psychological and physical development.
Effective Pathways for Progression
These must be designed to enable any boy or girl to dream and aspire to progress from grassroots football to our senior national teams.
The Coaching System
The coach is constantly referred to as the architect of high performance. In turn we must prepare and develop coaches through our world class coaching system to connect with their players and deliver high performance.
FAW Chief of Football Dr David Adams said: "The vision for this strategy is to build on our past successes, using them as a catalyst to hit our strategic goal of our national teams consistently qualifying for World Cups and European championships.
"The impact of such success will continue to inspire the next generation of young boys and girls and in turn evolve our legacy.
"The key drivers for this evolution are the Research Centre for Welsh Football ensuring we make data driven decisions, improved facilities and participation and further embedding our Welsh Way and our FAW values of family, respect and excellence across the entire football family."
