Football Association of Wales open £3m facility extension at Hensol HQ
The space will be used by a Cymru National Team for the first time for men’s September international window
The Football Association of Wales has officially opened a major extension to its Headquarters in Hensol, involving a £3m investment into developing a high-performance environment for the Cymru National Teams and the wider Association.
On the pitch, the work has extended the gym and activation used by the Cymru National Teams and brings increased space for analysis and sports science requirements, next to a medical area that was already in place. A new ‘boots on’ area has been built for the Cymru players, and coaches changing rooms are also part of the new wing.
Off the pitch, the Cymru National Teams will benefit from a new lecture theatre which will host team meetings and media sessions, with best-in-class audio/video facilities in a multi-purpose room to discuss team tactics but also to welcome the world’s media to speak to Cymru’s Head Coaches and players ahead of match days. The room will be called the Wynnstay 1876, a nod to the FAW’s history and heritage through its founding year and location.
The eighteen-month long project also increases the office space area and meeting room availability for FAW administrative staff, benefiting all departments within the organization.
The work is seen as a significant investment to a site where the FAW has been based permanently at since 2020, with part of the £3m investment coming from Welsh Government support.
Sustainability has also played a major part in the work, with the new wing being powered by solar panels and a new building management system being implemented to monitor and manage power usage. A garden area has been built to support local wildlife, whilst office chairs have been made from recycled material.
Speaking about the work, FAW CEO Noel Mooney said: “We’re very excited to open the new wing at the Hensol Headquarters, further investing into the Cymru National Teams and the wider Association.
"It’s vitally important that our National Teams and staff have the best possible facilities to enable us to reach our full potential, both nationally and on the world stage.”
The space will be used by a Cymru National Team for the first time for men’s September international window where Craig Bellamy’s side will face Kazakhstan and Canada.