The current four-year term of the Council of the Football Association of Wales will come to an end on 31 July 2023 and the election process for a new FAW Council will commence shortly.
This guide provides important information on who is eligible to stand, the Member Clubs and the timetable for the nominations and elections.
Who is the FAW?
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is the third oldest football federation in the world and one of the oldest institutes in Wales, having come into existence in 1876.
The FAW governs all association football in the country from the Cymru Premier & Adran Premier down to the grassroots level, inspiring all ages and abilities to maintain a healthy lifestyle through playing football.
The FAW is also responsible for the Cymru National Teams, providing the very best support for our most talented players to participate on the world stage.
The FAW also plays a key role in the Welsh culture, history and identity as a modern organisation based on the foundations of its core values: Excellence, Family & Respect.
Who can stand?
Absolutely anyone can stand for election, but they must be nominated by a Member Club in the National Leagues or Area Associations. The FAW wants a diverse range of skills and experience on Council. It’s important to note that Candidates can only stand in one election, i.e. a Candidate cannot stand to be a Council Member for Cymru South and the South Wales FA for example.
A full list of Member Clubs who can nominate candidates and participate in elections to determine their representatives on the new FAW Council can be accessed by clicking on the National Leagues or Area Associations in the list below.
Further details on the clubs can be found via the Cymru Football App, which is available in the Android and iOS app stores.
What is the role of a FAW Council Member?
The FAW Council are responsible for:
- Promoting, regulating and controlling football in Wales while building on its ability to unite, educate and drive positive change in the country.
- Overseeing changes to the game in Wales to ensure it is constantly improving, from the grassroots game, through the domestic pyramid and up to international levels including youth teams.
- Overseeing and advise on the organisation of competitions within Wales, including FAW affiliated competitions and those organised at Area Association level and their affiliated leagues.
- Advising on and reviewing regulations to ensure the FAW rules, measures and procedures are fit for purpose and enforced to ensure consistency across the game.
- Engaging with members to ensure their concerns, suggestions and interests are heard and understood.
- Complying with and prevent any infringement of the Rules and Laws of the game.
- Upholding the integrity of the FAW across all areas of the game and highlight any issues that could jeopardise the FAW or its members.
- Representing the FAW at various engagement and events, including domestic and international football matches.
What skills and experience do I need?
Experience within the Welsh football system in areas such as administration, governance, or being a current or former player with a passion for improving football in Wales would be of great benefit to the association.
The ability to scrutinise and constructively challenge is also an important element of the role in addition to personal integrity and being a role model of the FAW values of Excellence, Family and Respect.
The ideal candidates should be able to work as part of a team, both within Council and as part of the wider FAW Family.
How long is the term?
The term lasts from 1 August 2023 until 31 July 2027.
NATIONAL LEAGUES
Ardal Northern Leagues – NWC – NEW – CW
Ardal Southern Leagues – SW – WW – GC
AREA ASSOCIATIONS
North Wales Coast Football Association
North East Wales Football Association
Central Wales Football Association
West Wales Football Association
South Wales Football Association
Gwent County Football Association
TIMETABLE FOR THE 2023 QUADRENNIAL ELECTIONS
The nomination and election process will take place in accordance with the following timetable:
12 May 2023: Nomination forms to be issued to clubs.
14 June 2023: Completed nomination forms to be returned on or before the date.
14 June 2023: Nominated candidates’ letters of intent to stand in the election to be received by the FAW on or before this date.
23 June 2023: Nominated candidates to return signed and completed election documents to the FAW.
30 June 2023: Voting Papers to be issued to clubs.
25 July 2023: Completed voting papers to be returned to the FAW on or before this date.
28 July 2023: Counting of the voting papers.
1 August 2023: Nominations for the 6 Area Associations’ representatives to be received by the FAW no later than this date.
It’s important to note that the failure of a club or candidate to adhere to the above timetable will render the nomination form or voting paper invalid.
IMPORTANT: CLUB’S SHOULD CHECK THEIR CONTACT DETAILS
It’s incredibly important that clubs ensure that their secretary’s contact details are up to date on COMET as soon as possible. Please update details, including home address, where necessary.
