At We Make Footballers Gwent, everything we do is built around one objective:
To provide a development environment that genuinely challenges players to improve.
This month marks a significant step forward in that mission.
We are launching our U6, U8, U10 and U11 competitive teams, with all squads entering a more demanding, high-performance structure — including participation in the South Wales Advanced League.
This isn’t a small change.
It’s a deliberate move to raise standards.
Why the South Wales Advanced League Matters
The South Wales Advanced League provides a level of competition that sits above traditional grassroots football.
For our players, that means:
- Higher intensity games every week
- Less time on the ball
- Increased pressure in key moments
- More demanding opposition across all phases of play
At this level, development is no longer theoretical — it’s tested consistently.
Players are required to:
- Make quicker decisions under pressure
- Recognise and exploit space effectively
- Transition quickly between attack and defence
- Execute technically at a higher speed
This is where real progress is made.
Launching Our Competitive Programme: U6 to U11
We are introducing four age groups this month:
- U6
- U8
- U10
- U11
Each group has been built around players who are ready for a more demanding environment — players who:
- Show strong commitment
- Respond to coaching
- Want to be challenged consistently, not occasionally
Training remains aligned with our core philosophy:
- High ball contact
- Game-based practices
- Individual development within a team framework
But crucially, this is now matched with a competitive fixture programme that reinforces those demands every week.
Benchmarking Against the Best: Fixtures vs Cardiff City
As part of our early fixture schedule, our teams will compete against programmes linked to Cardiff City.
These fixtures are not about results.
They are about exposure.
Facing academy-level opposition provides a clear benchmark for our players:
- The speed of play required
- The physical and technical intensity
- The decision-making standards needed to compete at higher levels
It allows players to understand exactly where they are — and what is required to progress.
A Clear Pathway — Without Leaving the Area
This programme is part of a wider long-term vision.
We have already supported 15+ players into FAW and professional academies, and this next phase strengthens that pathway further.
Our aim is simple:
- Provide consistent high-level competition locally
- Reduce the need for players to leave the area too early
- Create an environment where progression is earned and sustained
For players and parents, that brings clarity.
For development, it brings consistency.
Working Alongside Grassroots Football
This competitive programme is not designed to replace grassroots football.
It is designed to enhance it.
Many of our players continue to represent their local clubs — and we actively encourage that.
What we provide is:
- An additional layer of structured development
- Access to higher-level fixtures
- Exposure to a more demanding training and game environment
What to Expect Moving Forward
Over the coming weeks:
- Competitive fixtures will begin across all age groups
- Players will continue to train in a structured, high-intensity environment
- Teams will develop identity, understanding, and consistency
At the same time, we are continuing to:
- Identify players ready for this level
- Recruit coaches capable of delivering within a high-performance setting
Final Word
This is about raising standards.
Not just in games — but in mindset, training, and expectations.
We are building an environment where players are:
- Challenged consistently
- Coached with purpose
- Exposed to the demands of higher-level football
And ultimately, given the best possible platform to reach their potential.
Get Involved
Limited spaces are available across all age groups.
We are now inviting:
- Players ready for a more demanding environment
- Coaches who want to work within a high-performance programme
📩 Message us directly to register interest and find out more about upcoming fixtures and trial opportunities.
