—- The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has announced the appointment of eight new
representatives to its Council, marking another significant milestone in the delivery of its Together
Stronger for the Future governance reforms.
From 1 August 2026, the new Council Members will represent coaches, players, supporters and
young people, ensuring those at the heart of Welsh football have a stronger voice in shaping the
future of the game.
The appointments follow an open recruitment process launched earlier this year, with the Coaches’,
Players’ and Supporters’ Representatives selected by the FAW’s Nomination & Recruitment
Committee.
The Youth Council representatives join the Council through their positions as Chair and Deputy Chair
of the FAW Youth Council, having themselves progressed through a competitive recruitment process
to represent young people across Welsh football.
Together, the eight appointments bring an exceptional breadth of experience to the FAW Council,
combining elite football knowledge with expertise in governance, leadership, education, equality,
community engagement and strategic decision-making.
FAW President Mike Jones said: “Football in Wales is stronger when the people around the Council
table reflect the people who make our game so special.
“These appointments bring together an outstanding mix of experience, knowledge and fresh
perspectives, while ensuring the voices of players, coaches, supporters and young people are
represented as we shape the future of Welsh football.
“It is a pleasure to welcome each of our new Council Members, and I know they will make a
significant contribution as we continue to build on the proud traditions of Welsh football while
looking confidently to the future.”
FAW Chief Executive Noel Mooney added: “One of the ambitions of our governance reforms was to
ensure the people helping shape the future of Welsh football better reflect the game we serve
today.
“These appointments achieve exactly that. We have welcomed individuals with outstanding
experience from elite football, grassroots football, supporter engagement, governance and
community development, alongside young people who will represent the next generation of Welsh
football.
“I would like to congratulate each of our new Council Members. They all bring different experiences
and perspectives, and I look forward to working with them as we continue building an even stronger
future for football in Cymru.”

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES PRESS RELEASE
Ben Davies amongst new voices and expertise that join FAW Council as
governance reforms take next step
EMBARGO 12PM THURSDAY 13 AUGUST

Football Association of Wales | Cymdeithas Bêl-droed Cymru, Hensol, Pontyclun, CF72 8JY

www.faw.cymru | T 029 2043 5830 | F 029 2049 6953

Coaches’ Representatives
Lauren Smith
Lauren Smith brings extensive experience from the highest levels of the professional game.
Currently Assistant Manager at Manchester City Women, Lauren is a UEFA Pro Licence coach whose
career has included leading England Women’s Under-19s and guiding Bristol City to promotion to the
Women’s Super League.
Lauren previously worked with the FAW as part of the Cymru Women’s National Team coaching
staff, helping support the continued development of the senior team and player pathway.
Her experience in elite performance, coach development and high-performance environments will
provide valuable insight as the Council continues to support football at every level of the game.

Nana Baah
Nana Baah joins Council following almost two decades of coaching and leadership across Welsh
domestic football.
As First Team Manager at Cardiff Draconians and an FAW Coach Educator, Nana has developed
players and coaches throughout the Welsh football pyramid while helping clubs progress both on
and off the pitch.
Alongside his coaching career, Nana’s work with Show Racism the Red Card Wales reflects his
commitment to equality, inclusion and creating positive football environments.
His understanding of grassroots football, coach education and club development will ensure the
experiences of coaches throughout Welsh football are strongly represented.

Supporters’ Representatives
Dr Penny Miles
Dr Penny Miles has spent decades following Cymru home and away and has become one of the
leading voices in supporter engagement within Welsh football.
A supporter of both the Cymru men’s and women’s national teams, Penny is co-founder of Wal Goch
y Menywod, helping establish and grow the women’s national team supporter movement.
She has also served on the FAW Equality Advisory Group since 2019 and is currently Co-Vice Chair,
contributing to discussions around equality, diversity and inclusion across Welsh football.
Alongside her work as a lecturer and researcher, Penny’s academic work explores Welsh football
fandom, national identity and supporter culture, giving her a unique understanding of how football
connects communities across Wales.

Football Association of Wales | Cymdeithas Bêl-droed Cymru, Hensol, Pontyclun, CF72 8JY

www.faw.cymru | T 029 2043 5830 | F 029 2049 6953

Gareth Watts
Joining Penny is Gareth Watts, whose appointment combines a lifelong passion for Welsh football
with extensive board-level governance experience.
A member of The Red Wall for more than 35 years and an FAW Accredited Football Leader, Gareth
has supported football from international level through to grassroots clubs in his local community.
Professionally, Gareth is Director of Corporate Governance and Board Secretary at Cwm Taf
Morgannwg University Health Board and has held numerous senior governance roles across the
public sector.
His expertise in governance, accountability, strategic planning and organisational leadership will
bring significant strength to the Council’s work, while ensuring supporters remain at the centre of
decision-making.

Players’ Representatives
Ben Davies
One of the most respected figures in Welsh football, Cymru captain Ben Davies joins the Council
bringing the perspective of an elite player who has represented his country throughout one of the
most successful eras in the men’s national team’s history.
Having experienced major international tournaments, Premier League football and the demands
placed upon modern players, Ben’s leadership and first-hand understanding of the professional
game will ensure the player voice remains central to the future development of Welsh football.

Charl Galloway
Charl Galloway brings a unique combination of playing experience, governance expertise and a
passion for making football more inclusive.
Currently playing in the Genero Adran South, Charl has experienced the continued growth of the
women’s domestic game first-hand, while also recognising the challenges facing clubs and players
across the football pyramid.
Charl founded the Her Game Too Training Centre, creating opportunities for women and girls to
access football in welcoming and inclusive environments.
An Independent Member of the FAW Equality Advisory Group and former Chair of Cardiff Dragons
FC, Wales’ first LGBTQ+ football club, Charl combines extensive community football experience with
a professional career in business analysis, project delivery and organisational governance.
Their experience will provide an important player perspective while strengthening the Council’s
understanding of inclusion, participation and the continued growth of women’s football.

Football Association of Wales | Cymdeithas Bêl-droed Cymru, Hensol, Pontyclun, CF72 8JY

www.faw.cymru | T 029 2043 5830 | F 029 2049 6953

Youth Council Representatives
Eleeza Khan
Eleeza Khan joins the FAW Council as Chair of the FAW Youth Council, bringing a passion for ensuring
football is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
A strong advocate for increasing opportunities for girls within the game, Eleeza is committed to
breaking down the stigma that girls from her community cannot participate in football.
She is already leading by example, having recently qualified as a grassroots football referee while
continuing to champion greater representation and participation within the sport.
Beyond football, Eleeza is an active volunteer with organisations including Cardiff Youth Service, SEF
Cymru and ACE Cymru, demonstrating her commitment to supporting young people and
strengthening communities.
Her appointment ensures the perspectives of the next generation will play an important role in
shaping the future of Welsh football.

Begw Elain
Joining Eleeza on the FAW Council is Begw Elain, Deputy Chair of the FAW Youth Council, whose
experience reflects a longstanding commitment to volunteering and grassroots football.
Having volunteered at her local club from a young age, Begw has undertaken a variety of roles,
serving on club committees, acting as accounts officer and, most recently, leading the club’s media
activity as media officer.
This breadth of experience has given her a valuable understanding of the commitment and
dedication that underpins grassroots football across Wales.
Begw has also recently taken part in the FAW’s Be Football Mentoring Programme, developing her
confidence, communication and leadership skills while strengthening her ability to work confidently
in both Welsh and English.
Her appointment ensures that the experiences of young volunteers and grassroots clubs are
represented at the highest level of Welsh football governance.

Why these appointments matter
These appointments are about much more than filling positions on the FAW Council.
They represent another important step in delivering the Together Stronger for the Future
governance reforms, ensuring the organisation’s leadership better reflects the modern game in
Wales and the people who make it thrive every day.
Together, the eight new Council Members represent the breadth of Welsh football.

Football Association of Wales | Cymdeithas Bêl-droed Cymru, Hensol, Pontyclun, CF72 8JY

www.faw.cymru | T 029 2043 5830 | F 029 2049 6953

From a Cymru captain and elite coaches to grassroots volunteers, supporter advocates, governance
professionals, equality champions and young leaders, each appointment brings a different
perspective and set of skills.
Collectively, they strengthen the FAW Council with expertise spanning elite performance, coach
education, player welfare, supporter engagement, governance, inclusion, community development
and youth representation.
As Welsh football continues to grow on and off the pitch, these new Council Members will play an
important role in helping shape the next chapter of the game’s development and ensuring the future
of football in Wales.

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