The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has recently organized a series of matches at Latham Park, Newtown, where players involved in the Regional Development Programme had the chance to meet Cymru Head Coach Rob Page. The Programme, which is operational in both north and south Wales, includes players from English and Welsh professional clubs. It involves training days and matches over a two-year period, culminating in the Cymru Cup competition. The matches at Latham Park featured players born in 2010 and 2011.
In addition to Rob Page, other key figures present at the event included FAW’s Chief Football Officer Dr. David Adams, Head of Player Development Richard Williams, and Player Development Manager and MU17 Head Coach Craig Knight. Speaking about the event, David Adams highlighted the success of the Regional Development Programme, emphasizing that 80% of the Men’s National Team squad had their beginnings in the Programme. He also expressed gratitude towards the parents for their support and praised the players for their high-standard performance.
The matches served as an excellent opportunity for the FAW player development team to observe the quality across the North and South Programmes, as well as monitor the players’ technical and tactical progress and physical maturation. Recent graduates from the Programme who have now moved on to the senior team include Jordan James, Charlie Savage, Harry Wilson and Ethan Ampadu. This serves as a testament to the effectiveness and potential of the Programme.
The immersive experience at Latham Park not only provided these young talents with the chance to meet and interact with esteemed figures in Welsh football but also allowed them to showcase their skills and potential. The presence and involvement of the coaching staff and management team further added to the significance and impact of the event.
The Regional Development Programme is playing a crucial role in nurturing and honing the talent of young footballers in Wales, ultimately contributing to the development of the national team. The Programme’s focus on providing a platform for young players to flourish and progress is clearly yielding positive results, as evidenced by the success stories of recent graduates moving onto the senior team.
The meet-up at Latham Park was a true celebration of the future of Welsh football, highlighting the talent and potential present within the Regional Development Programme. As the Programme continues to provide opportunities and guidance for young players, it is evident that the future of Welsh football is in good hands. The success stories of past graduates and the positive impact of the Programme further reinforce its importance within the football community.