Will the Minister provide an update on how they are working with Sport Wales to increase the number of girls participating in football?
Our Term of Government remit letter to Sport Wales, supported by a budget of £39.2m in 2023-24, sets out our expectation that Sport Wales will promote equal access to sport, supporting young and talented athletes and grassroots clubs, thereby improving access and participation for all. The Member is already aware through my answer to WQ90442 that the Welsh Government provides funding to Sport Wales which in turn is used to support National Governing Bodies, sports organisations and individual clubs via a range of grant schemes and initiatives, including support for participation campaigns.
Sport Wales invests in the Football Association of Wales (FAW) who are responsible for the development of football opportunities in Wales. The FAW prioritise the female game as a core focus within their strategy 'Our Wales', with a target of having 20,000 female players by 2026. There are currently approximately 13,000 female players, with an estimated 6,000 casual players through the informal offer 'Huddle', which aims to break down barriers for girls aged 5-11 accessing football in a fun and friendly environment prior to competitive football.
In addition to club football and Huddle, the FAW also delivers Disney Playmakers (aimed at 5-8 year old girls) in primary schools, BE Football programme (11-16 year old girls) in secondary schools and the BE Football mentoring programme (18-24 year old females) for those wanting to start a career in the football industry. In 2022, the FAW launched their 'Environments for her' resource pack, aimed at club personnel or facility providers who currently or have ambition to cater for girls' football. It aims to build confidence and awareness of some of the common challenges girls face in accessing sport, particularly a sport that is heavily dominated by male participation.