Cardiff Met Football Club awarded Category A and FAW Girls Academi status

Cardiff Metropolitan University Football Club Academy has been granted Category A Academy status and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) Girls Academi status for the 2025-26 season, recognising the team’s outstanding quality and commitment to developing young female footballers in Wales.

This is the first time Cardiff Met has been granted FAW Girls Academi status, which will allow the football club to drive participation locally through better experiences and access, while providing more professional opportunities and removing barriers to progression.

Chris Baker, Director of Football at Cardiff Met said, “Securing both Category A and FAW Girls Academi status is a fantastic achievement and testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff who support the development of young players year after year. We are looking forward to continuing to build a high-quality programme for some of the best young footballers in Wales, while our new FAW Girls Academi status opens exciting opportunities to grow the girls’ game locally.

“Both statuses mean we can provide better experiences, greater access, and a more professional environment that helps remove barriers and support players on their journey. We’re proud to align this progress with Cardiff Metropolitan University’s ambition to be Wales’ sporting university, and we look forward to working closely with the FAW to raise standards and strengthen domestic football across both the boys’ and girls’ pathways.”

This is also the second year running Cardiff Met has received the Category A Academy status which will allow the football academy to continue to develop and grow its offering to some of the best young footballers in Wales.

Jack Lyons, Academy Manager at Cardiff Met, said: “A huge thank you to the FAW, especially Drew Sherman and Brad Flay, for their continued support, and to Amethyst for helping raise standards across the Welsh game. With our Under 12s recently crowned National Champions, we’re excited to build on that success and keep pushing the academy forward — creating the best possible environment for young players to develop and thrive.”

As the club turns its attention to the 2025-26 season, trial dates for the Archers Girls’ Academi will be announced soon.