University of South Wales and FAW renew partnership to support the future of Welsh football

The University of South Wales (USW) and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) have renewed their strategic partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to the development of football across Wales.

Under the renewed agreement, USW will continue as an Official Higher Education Partner of the FAW. This distinctive collaboration enables students to combine academic study with industry-recognised football coaching qualifications, and valuable real-world experience.

Building on the organisations’ long-standing relationship, the agreement will give USW continued access to a wide range of FAW coach education programmes integrated into its football and sports coaching courses. The prestigious UEFA A Licence will be embedded within the MSc Advanced Football Coaching and Performance course, with FAW staff delivering the programme directly to students at USW Sport Park.

Students and staff will continue to connect directly with the Welsh football industry through engagement with senior national team coaches, access to the FAW National Coaches Conference, and stronger links with FAW programmes and initiatives.

USW is recognised as one of the UK’s leading providers of football education, offering courses developed in collaboration with the FAW to equip graduates with academic knowledge and professional qualifications. The partnership has also enabled thousands of hours of community football activity and work-based learning for students, benefiting clubs throughout Wales.

As part of the partnership renewal, USW will become the Title Partner of the FAW National Academi, to be known as USW National Academi, reinforcing both organisations’ commitment to developing the next generation of talent across the football landscape.

Professor Osama Khan, USW’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with the FAW and continue a relationship that has become a cornerstone of football education in Wales.

“This reflects our shared commitment to developing talented coaches, practitioners, researchers, and future leaders within the game. By working closely with the FAW, we can give our students exceptional opportunities to learn directly from experts operating at the highest levels of football and build successful careers in the sport.

“The partnership also demonstrates the vital role universities can play in supporting the growth of Welsh football, from grassroots participation to elite performance. We look forward to building on our achievements together over the next three years.”

Noel Mooney, FAW CEO, said: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with the University of South Wales, who we have long had a strong and trusted relationship with.

“We are incredibly proud to work closely alongside USW to connect academic learning and practical experience, helping to create clear pathways for people looking to build a career in the game.

“The partnership has delivered countless success stories over the years and we are excited to continue building a bright future for Welsh football together.”