Football has been confirmed as the number one sport in Wales following the publication of an independent report by Nielsen, a global leader in audience research.

Football interest has continued to increase since research in Wales was first conducted in 2016.

However, for the first time, football is now the number one interest sport in Wales and continues to be the number one participation sport for children and adults.

Nielsen conducted the research in Wales during April 2022 using standard methodologies on behalf of UEFA.

County Times: Newtown Football Club Under 9's Football Festival.
Berriew v Bishop's Castle
Picture by Phil Blagg Photography.
PB004-2022-142

Berriew v Bishop's Castle juniors. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB004-2022-142.

The research is conducted every two years and provides an accurate assessment of Welsh football through a nationally representative sample of the 18+ population based on age, gender and region.

The research also shows that interest in the Cymru international teams continues to grow, with a notable increase in Women’s National Team interest that has doubled since 2016.

County Times: PB464-2017-31.Junior Girls Football Festival at Latham Park, Newtown AFC last Sunday 5th November.pictured are the under 12's and 14's teams with coaches.Picture by Phil Blagg.PB464-2017-31.

Girls football continues to increase in popularity. Picture by Phil Blagg.PB464-2017-31.

The research also provides a European benchmark to show how the Football Association of Wales and Welsh Football performs in comparison to sports and organisations in other countries. Once again, both perform very well against the benchmark and in much of the report, well above it.

County Times: Statistics from the inependent survey of Welsh football.

County Times: Statistics from the inependent survey of Welsh football.

County Times: Statistics from the inependent survey of Welsh football.

County Times: Statistics from the inependent survey of Welsh football.

County Times: Statistics from the inependent survey of Welsh football.

The research also provides the FAW with insights on areas where awareness and interest may have decreased so that focus can be provided to rectify the observations.

Among the most concerning results of the independent survey is the rapidly declining interest in the JD Cymru Premier.

The drop in awareness in the Cymru Premier is being driven by the older age groups with awareness falling from 61 per cent to 39 per cent among the 45-54s and among those aged 55-65 it has fallen from 73 per cent to 48 per cent.

Interest has fallen among the youngest age group from 23 per cent to 16 per cent and will further strengthen the argument among advocates of expanding the league to 16 clubs rather than the current 12 club format.

Noel Mooney, FAW Chief Executive, said: “On the whole this report is very positive and I’m incredibly pleased to see that the game which we are entrusted to run is now the number one interest sport in the country.

“This independent report is testament to hard work of FAW employees, area associations, leagues, clubs and volunteers right across the country who raise awareness, interest and perceptions of our wonderful game.

“In conjunction with our strategic aims for Welsh football, this research provides us with insights on where we can continue to grow and what areas we need to focus on for improvement.”

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