At an event in the Senedd, County in the Community, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, Swansea City AFC Foundation and Wrexham AFC Foundation have joined forces with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to amplify the social impact of football in Wales.
County in the Community, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, Swansea City AFC Foundation and Wrexham AFC Foundation are the club community organisations associated to their respective professional football clubs. They provide a range of services in school and community settings using the power of football to improve lives in local communities. The combined social impact was estimated to be over £60m for the 23/24 season.
The Senedd event was sponsored by Wrexham MS and keen football fan Lesley Griffiths.
Whilst independent of one another, the parties have committed to working together to enhance their existing network, united by the shared goal of using the power of football to change people’s lives and support Welsh communities.
Lesley Griffiths MS said: “Football clubs have such a strong bond with the communities they serve and they have the power to improve people’s lives in many ways.
“Today’s event at the Senedd, which I am proud to sponsor, will provide a fantastic opportunity for the FAW and Wales’ EFL Clubs to share advice and ideas that can ultimately help boost communities throughout Wales.”
Gavin Hawkey, Foundation Director at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation said: “Football clubs are at the very heart of their communities. They inspire hope, passion and a sense of belonging. We use the inspiration of Cardiff City FC to change lives and transform communities.
“By using football as an engagement tool we’re contributing to health, education and community outcomes. As part of a network of community organisations connected to professional football clubs in England and Wales, and thanks to the support of EFL in the Community and the Premier League, we support thousands of people in our communities every year.
“Each foundation brings its own unique strengths, insights, and experiences to the table, and we hope that by working together with the FAW, we’re not only expanding our collective impact, but also building a stronger, more resilient network of support across Welsh communities.”
Norman Parselle, CEO at County in the Community (Newport County AFC) said: “Our mission at County in the Community is to provide opportunities by enhancing lives through, educational and physical activity programmes that enrich people living across South East Wales, regardless of age, ethnic origin, economic status or ability.
“This partnership will enable us to share best practice and extend the reach of this important work to communities across Wales.”
Paul France, Head of Foundation at Swansea City AFC Foundation said: “Football has a unique ability to engage with thousands of people. Swansea City Foundation use Swansea City as a force for positive change within our communities, delivering outcomes across our common themes of Education, Health, Inclusion, Community Cohesion and Sport. We are extremely proud of the impact we have in improving and even saving lives.
“By the Club Foundations working closely with FAW, we hope to amplify our messages and our impact to a national level and increase investment into the programmes we all deliver. The Clubs already work in a network under the EFL in the Community, but this collaboration will provide a real focus on improving outcomes across Wales.”
Jamie Edwards, Head of Foundation at Wrexham AFC Foundation said: “In 1864 Wrexham AFC was founded to combat the lack of activity for children and young people in Wrexham. Since this time Wrexham AFC have held a significant and prominent position within the community.
“In 2025 Wrexham AFC has a global reach and despite the recent success on the pitch we are committed to making a meaningful difference to the community through the Wrexham AFC Foundation. This is more than simply ‘giving back’ this is providing the platform for children and young people to achieve their goals. We know we can do more through increasing the quality and understanding of our delivery alongside the range and reach of our work.
“This partnership will support our ambitious goals and provide a platform to share good practice and insight and in turn building a healthier and more cohesive communities across Wales.”
Helen Antoniazzi, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability at the Football Association of Wales said: “Football is a sport that is emotionally embedded in every community and pretty much every household in Wales, whether that be the thousands of girls and boys, women and men who play grassroots football every week and the people who turn out to support them, or the volunteers who make the game happen across our communities. We know that it is at this community level where football brings its greatest return- a hugely positive social impact. Football can be a significant vehicle for positive social change – whether that be in terms of improving public health, tackling inequalities, or developing greater community cohesion and reducing crime, and football can also lead to better educational and economic outcomes. According to research from UEFA, the social return on investment of football participation in Wales is over £550m.
“At the FAW, our mantra is Together Stronger and that is why we are all joining forces as the wider football family in Wales, united by our shared purpose to make a positive difference and support communities across the nation.”