A partnership between Children in Wales and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) has helped embed a stronger culture of youth participation across the organisation, creating new opportunities for children and young people to influence volunteering and decision-making in Welsh football. The project began in January 2024 and was funded by WCVA through the Volunteering Wales Strategic Grant Fund. Although initially planned as an 18-month programme, the work quickly gathered momentum as both organisations built on a shared ambition to champion the voices of children and young people.

Working closely with FAW staff, Children in Wales helped develop bespoke systems and processes designed to make youth volunteering opportunities more sustainable and to ensure that youth voice was prioritised in work affecting young people. This included the realignment of the National Youth Council, the creation of a Youth Ambassador project, bespoke staff training, and a co-produced recruitment and induction programme. As recognition of the value of youth voice increased, departments across the FAW began creating more opportunities for National Youth Council involvement, including participation in Volunteers’ Week in Wales, the launch of the New Approach to Volunteering in Wales, and opportunities for young people to share their skills and knowledge at board level.

By the time the project came to an ed in March 2025, both organisations could point to significant progress. A children’s rights-based approach had been embedded to support the active involvement of young people, while the FAW had developed a more confident and skilled staff team that now routinely seeks young people’s views as part of departmental work. The National Youth Council also continues to build connections with other youth groups and councils, helping members broaden their skills, knowledge and confidence.

The partnership leaves a lasting legacy, showing how an organisation not traditionally associated with authentic youth participation can take a children’s rights-based approach and create meaningful opportunities for children and young people across Wales. For Children in Wales, the work provides a strong example of what can be achieved when youth voice is placed at the heart of change.

Carys Ingram Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability Executive from the FAW said about their time working in partnership with Children in Wales:

“It has been great having Children in Wales on board not just being able to support us in that knowledge sharing but that workload and really bring this whole new level of expertise and knowledge when it comes to interacting with young people.”

Kate Thomas, Projects and Partnership Manager at Children in Wales added:

“This project has been an absolute pleasure to be part of. The FAW has embraced the true ethos and value of meaningful youth participation, showing real commitment to engaging with the guidance and learning we’ve shared through our rights-based approach. The growth in the effectiveness of the youth council has been really impressive, and it has been a joy to see young people grow, develop their confidence, shape discussions, and make meaningful contributions to the FAW organisation. Seeing them not only included, but genuinely valued in decision-making, has been wonderful.”

Children in Wales looks forward and welcomes the opportunity of further partnership collaboration project with other organisations in a variety of spaces where babies, children and young people can benefit from meaningful engagement and support. For more information on our Building Voices programme, click here or contact Kate.Thomas@childreninwales.org.uk