GIRLS and women playing football in Wales will benefit from upgraded facilities at Dragon Park in Newport, following a £1 million Welsh government investment in the FA of Wales (FAW) facility. 

The funding is set to deliver a new 3G pitch and improved training infrastructure at the national football centre. 

The site will serve as the home of the FAW Girls Regional Programme for players aged 12 to 17, while also supporting grassroots participation across Newport and beyond. 

The investment forms part of a wider £15m Welsh government funding package in 2025-26 to improve sports facilities across Wales, and a total investment of £60m over the term of government. 

It comes as interest in women’s and girls’ football continues to grow at a rapid rate. 

Minister for Sport Jack Sargeant visited the venue on Wednesday and met training staff, including Wales national team manager Rhian Wilkinson, as well as young players. 

He said: “These new facilities send a clear message to every girl in Wales who loves football — there is a place for you in this game. 

“By building on the success of our national team reaching Uefa Women’s Euros 2025 last summer and by investing in Dragon Park, we are making sure that talent is never held back by a lack of opportunity. 

“Wales is committed to giving every young woman and girl the chance to fulfil their potential on the pitch.”

Maizie Carrington, 13, from Pontypridd, is part of the Girls Regional Programme. She spoke about what the improved facilities will mean for her training and career:

“Having access to facilities like these would be a massive boost for me and players like me. When I started out, I was just joining in kickabouts in the school yard — I never imagined I’d be training with the FAW. 

“Better facilities mean more time on the pitch and the chance to keep pushing towards my goals. I want to keep improving every single session, and having a space like this makes that so much easier.”