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Wales to profit from 'massive' U19s Euros legacy

Spain players celebrate with the Uefa Men's Under-19 Championship trophy
Spain players celebrate winning the Uefa Men’s Under-19 Championship following their 2-0 win over Germany at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground [FAW]

Spain are chasing World Cup glory in the United States but their under-19s have already achieved success this summer.

The Spanish youngsters were the standout team in the Uefa U19s Euros held in Wales over the past fortnight.

Playing an impressive brand of football, they scored 19 goals and their 2-0 win over Germany in the final secured their 10th title at this age grade.

The hope is that some of the players can now join their contemporary Lamine Yamal in the senior national side over the coming years.

But what of the legacy for hosts Wales?

Held across the north of the country to mark the 150th anniversary of the Football Association of Wales (FAW), its chief executive wanted an event that would leave a lasting impact.

“The legacy of the tournament is massive,” Noel Mooney told BBC Sport Wales.

“We had a vision for this tournament that we would leave a legacy of great facilities and something that would last for many, many years.

“Uefa have been absolutely delighted with how we’ve managed this tournament and the delivery of this tournament.”

Wales' Henry Kasvosve in action against Spain
Hosts Wales, playing in the Men’s Uefa Under-19s finals for the first time, lost all three group games included a 7-0 defeat to eventual winners Spain. [FAW]

Fixtures were held at Central Park in Denbigh, Bangor City Stadium, The Oval in Caernarfon and Wrexham’s Racecourse.

“We’ve had a load of volunteers and FAW staff working and, of course, the four clubs involved have been outstanding,” added chief executive Mooney.

“This year is the under-19 championship, in 2028 we’ve got the senior Euros – one of the biggest events in the world – coming to Cardiff.

“Then we’re in for the 2029 Women’s Champions League final in Cardiff as well and we’re down for the Women’s World Cup in 2035.

“We are very much trying to bring the world to Wales and to use football as a way to grow tourism, to grow jobs.”

Mooney added that the tournament had provided a boost for the region’s economy during the past month with businesses directly benefiting.

Spain head coach Paco Gallardo and his German counterpart Christian Worns both acknowledged the warm welcome and hospitality.

But equally they were pleased with the facilities that were provided during the duration of the tournament, which included wins over hosts Wales.

On the pitch, it proved to be a tough tournament for Chris Gunter’s Wales side who lost all three games, conceded 14 goals and failed to score.

But for Gunter, who has now joined Aaron Ramsey’s coaching team at Oxford United, there is plenty for Wales’ young players to learn from their performances despite the disappointment.

“For the players, in the longer piece, it’ll be a really good thing because of the experiences that they’ve had,” said the former defender.

“There’s a part that we could have shown ourselves more and did things a little bit better.

“As a wider thing, I think the tournament has been amazing. To see this level of players come to Wales and were hosting it is fantastic.

“This will live on in terms of the facilities around this area and the grounds that are being played at and hosting some of these top players.

Gunter believes the legacy of the tournament will continue.

“I’m really pleased that Wales and the FAW have done such a fine job of making sure all of the teams have had everything they need from it,” he added.

“That’s a really good thing. It’s what we wanted going into it.

“There’s been a lot of work from people and a massive credit to people behind the scenes to make sure it’s gone as well as possible.”

Caernarfon fans at The Oval during the Conference League game against Levadia Tallinn.
Caernarfon had a sell-out attendance of over 1,200 at the new look Oval for their Uefa Conference League game against Levadia Tallinn. [FAW]

Caernarfon Town’s home, The Oval, hosted three Group B games in the tournament, featuring Croatia, Serbia and Italy.

Ground improvements worth over £1million, which took over 12 months to complete, included work to level the infamous slope, new seating and extending the dressing rooms.

The club, who won the Welsh Cup for the first time in their history last season, have already benefited from the investment by hosting a Uefa Conference League tie last week.

“What we’ve been able to do here and achieve so far has been unbelievable,” said manager Richard Davies.

“There’s people on the terraces that could only dream of watching their team in Europe at The Oval.

“We can’t take away that and the legacy will be there for ever – not just for us but for the next generations to come.

“Hopefully this will inspire them to want to play for Caernarfon.”

Investment has also benefited clubs lower down the Welsh football pyramid, including Denbigh Town and Ruthin Town.

Denbigh’s Central Park hosted three games in Group A as well as a semi-final.

“This is something we thought would never happen,” Denbigh official Ollie Beech said.

“We have a new gantry, new dugouts, new stand and a clubhouse which is like the crown jewel of Denbigh.”

Fellow Denbighshire club Ruthin has been one of a number of other north Wales grounds that have been training bases for the competing teams.

“The preparations have been going on for three years and more,” said Wynne Davies, a member of Cymru North club Ruthin’s committee.

“We’ve re-laid the pitches and the place looks great. The investment from the FAW has been incredible.”

Denbigh's Central Park
Denbigh’s Central Park was opened in 1963 [FAW]

For Mooney seeing the developments at Caernarfon, Denbigh and Bangor’s Nantporth Stadium have been a personal highlight.

His hope is to see further investment to ensure more facilities are improved and that Wales can attract future high profile events.

“We’ve got a clear plan, once we stick to that plan we’ve got a lot of resources to deliver,” he added.

“But we do need more support from Welsh Government and we do need more support and partnerships with the 22 local authorities.

“We do need to make sure the players have the very best care possible to get them to the top.”

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