Ben Davies sets out player-focused aims for FAW Council role

Wales captain Ben Davies has outlined how he wants to use his place on the Football Association of Wales Council to improve opportunities for players across the country, while continuing his career with Tottenham Hotspur. Speaking to BBC Sport Wales at a council meeting in Newport, the defender said his experience in professional football could help inform decisions affecting the game at every level.

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Davies, 33, joined the council in August 2026 as a representative for Welsh players and was among eight new appointments. BBC reporter Simon Davies attended proceedings at Dragon Park, where the Wales international took part in discussions about the future of Welsh football. His council responsibilities run alongside his playing commitments, rather than marking a move into full-time administration.

The defender told the BBC that his remit should extend beyond the national team and the professional game to the Welsh leagues and grassroots football. He wants to share examples of what has and has not worked during his career, with the aim of improving standards and giving players better opportunities. He also acknowledged the knowledge of experienced administrators already serving on the council.

FAW president Mike Jones said Davies had contributed during the morning session. Jones explained that having a current professional involved could bring issues to the council's attention that its other members might otherwise miss. He also pointed to their shared involvement in UEFA work and congresses, saying he understood Davies' enthusiasm for the role while recognising that his council tenure was still at an early stage.

Davies brings experience of 104 Wales appearances, having made his international debut at 19. His club career includes winning the Europa League and finishing as a Champions League runner-up with Spurs. Away from playing, he has completed a Business Management degree and earned his UEFA A coaching licence, qualifications that leave him with several possible directions after retirement.

For now, Davies said he feels fit, enjoys playing and hopes retirement remains several years away. He described council membership as a chance both to contribute to Welsh football and to learn about its administration. Although coaching remains a possibility, he has not settled on a post-playing career and expressed an interest in eventually bringing a former player's perspective to a boardroom or front-office position.