Ben Davies: From Pitch to Boardroom for Welsh Football

In August, Ben Davies was appointed as one of eight new members to the FAW Council, marking a significant shift in his career. Surrounded by suits in a solemn committee room, Davies appears surprisingly at ease. For over a decade, he’s thrived in the fast-paced world of Premier League and international football, but now he’s taking a seat at the table to help shape the future of Welsh football. As the captain of Wales, his role as a dedicated representative for players is crucial. Davies is determined to connect the dots between those who strategize on the pitch and those who decide in the boardroom. Recently, BBC Wales Sport got an exclusive look at the FAW Council meeting held at Dragon Park in Newport, where Davies collaborated with fellow executives to discuss the trajectory of Welsh football. At 33, the defender’s choice to juggle administrative duties with his demanding playing career stems from a desire to give back. "It’s an absolute honour and privilege to play football for Wales," he shared. "Because of that honour and how much I've loved doing it - and still love doing it - you want to give back in any way you can. If I can help using my stature and position as a player to help Welsh football, I'm more than happy to do that." The atmosphere in the room reflected a shift in the FAW’s approach, with a mix of seasoned administrators and a more diverse group of voices than in years past. While experienced figures bring invaluable operational insight, Davies’ presence represents a fresh perspective grounded in modern football. He humbly acknowledges the wealth of experience surrounding him, stating, "There are a lot of people in that room with a lot of experience that know a lot about what goes on behind the scenes in football. But ultimately, I'm here with a player's voice." Davies is keen to ensure that the standards he’s witnessed at the highest levels of the game are upheld in Wales, advocating for a strong foundation for future generations. "I want to see that Welsh football is giving the best opportunity to all players at every level - not just at the professional level but throughout the Welsh leagues and down to the grassroots as well," he explained. As the meeting broke for lunch, FAW president Mike Jones commended Davies for his contributions. "He spoke this morning - and there are quite a lot of people who don't speak in there," Jones noted. Davies’ willingness to express his thoughts is a promising sign for the organization's future, pushing for best practices in football governance. Unlike many athletes, Davies isn’t just a player; he’s a proactive figure aiming to bridge gaps in football governance. His educational background in Business Management and previous representation of Welsh cultural interests underscore his commitment to this role. Jones sees great potential in Davies, who has already earned 104 caps for Wales. "I understand his passion and why he wants to be here. It’s early days, but I'm expecting big things from him," Jones said. Davies has also obtained his Uefa A Licence in coaching, positioning himself for opportunities in both coaching and governance after his playing career. "Hopefully [retirement] is still quite a few years away," he stated. "I feel fit. I love playing football, and I want to play as long as I can. But you're a long time retired in this game, and I don't see myself just doing nothing after football. "For me, it's a great learning experience as well - to see how it all works behind the scenes in the world of football. This is a great start. It's more than just a role for me; it's great to be able to give back as much as I can to a footballing country that's given me so much."