Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Noel Mooney has described the legacy of the UEFA U19s European Championships as “massive” for Welsh football.

Spain beat Germany 2-0 in the final on Sunday, sealing their 10th title at the U19 age grade at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground.

But for Wales, hosting the tournament in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the FAW, the competition will have hopefully left an impact on north Wales.

“The legacy of the tournament is massive,” Mooney said to BBC Sport.

“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.”

Matches were hosted by Wrexham, Bangor, Caernarfon, and Denbigh, with the traditional north Walian powerhouses demonstrating their deep connection football.

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

“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.”

The 71st edition of the UEFA competition saw Wales compete at the highest level for the first time as hosts.

While results were difficult – three heavy defeats to group rivals Spain, Germany, and Denmark – the experience is what head coach Chris Gunter is valuing above all.

“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 Wales international.

“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, who has now departed his role with Wales to join former teammate Aaron Ramsey at Oxford United, 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.”

The UEFA U19 Euros is just the start of the FAW’s aim to bring elite level football to Wales, by hosting the very best from across Europe.

“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,” Mooney said.

“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.”

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