The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has formally announced the selection of Dai Carpenter as the new Grassroots Disability & Inclusion Manager. This appointment is a pivotal component of the FAW’s persistent endeavour to implement its grassroots football strategy, which seeks to enrich lives through football by fostering inclusive and sustainable football clubs within the community.
A key strategic objective of this initiative is to augment the expansion and sustained involvement of disability football, as well as to promote participation among underrepresented groups. The addition of Carpenter to the grassroots team is anticipated to aid in the realization of these ambitions and in forging a more robust disability pathway to amplify the involvement of individuals with disabilities in community football.
Carpenter possesses a wealth of experience in disability football, having previously wielded his expertise at England’s Active Partnership Network. Prior to this, he amassed 14 years of experience at the Devon County FA, commencing as a Disability Football Development Officer in 2008 before ascending to a managerial role.
In his new capacity, Carpenter assumes the responsibility of advising, influencing, and spearheading grassroots initiatives to address challenges pertaining to disability and inclusion. Furthermore, he will focus on augmenting the number of participants from ethnically diverse community football and formulating plans to bolster the accessibility of football opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups.
Carpenter has conveyed his enthusiasm for his new role, expressing his ardour for disability football and the gratification derived from collaborating with hundreds of players with disabilities. He has also articulated his fulfillment in witnessing the evolution of these players, as they shift from players to coaches and club volunteers.
The FAW’s grassroots strategy, “Enhancing Lives Through Football,” is designed to cultivate a more encompassing and hospitable milieu within the football community. Carpenter’s selection as the Grassroots Disability & Inclusion Manager signifies a momentous stride towards achieving this aspiration and underscores the FAW’s commitment to instigating constructive change within the sport.
Endowed with Carpenter’s expertise and steadfast commitment to disability football and inclusion, the FAW is poised to make momentous headway in establishing a more diversified and inclusive football landscape in Wales. His appointment heralds a new chapter in the FAW’s endeavours to improve the lives of individuals within the community through the medium of football.