Welsh cybersecurity provider Socura has been selected by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) as its Official Cyber Security Partner ahead of the 2028 Men’s UEFA European Championships and 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Through the three-year partnership, Socura will help protect the FAW’s critical systems, sensitive data and digital services, spanning 822 affiliated clubs, 120,000 playing participants and hundreds of thousands of fans across grassroots and international football.

The partnership comes as football operations become increasingly digitised and follows a major digital transformation project at the FAW, which now operates a range of digital services connecting players, coaches, referees, clubs and supporters.

Strengthening the FAW’s cyber resilience

Socura will provide the FAW with a comprehensive managed cybersecurity service, including 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) monitoring, 365 days a year.

Its services will also include Managed Detection and Response (MDR), penetration testing, phishing simulation campaigns, security awareness training, Microsoft 365 backup, incident response and strategic cyber advisory services.

Together, the services are designed to safeguard the FAW’s people, systems and data while strengthening cyber resilience across one of Wales’ most recognisable sporting organisations.

Socura will also work with the FAW to increase awareness of cyber resilience through digital content, educational initiatives and collaborative campaigns promoting cybersecurity best practice to clubs, volunteers and the wider football community.

The partnership reflects a shared ambition to champion Welsh innovation while supporting the continued growth and digital evolution of football in Wales.

Supporting Welsh football during a significant period

The agreement comes as the FAW enters a significant period for Welsh football.

The Cymru Women’s National Team continues its 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign, while preparations are underway for UEFA EURO 2028, which will begin in Wales. The launch of the expanded 16-team Novira Cymru Premier also marks a new chapter for the domestic game.

Andrew Kays, Chief Executive Officer of Socura, said:

“Welsh football is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its history. From the continued growth of the women’s game and the evolution of the domestic pyramid to the arrival of UEFA EURO 2028, football in Wales has never had greater momentum.

Technology now underpins almost every aspect of the modern game. It connects supporters, enables competitions, supports clubs and helps develop players. Protecting those digital services has become fundamental to the future of football.

We’re incredibly proud that the FAW has chosen Socura as its Official Cyber Security Partner. It’s a partnership between two ambitious Welsh organisations committed to excellence, innovation and representing Wales on the international stage. Together, we’ll help ensure Welsh football can continue to grow with confidence, knowing its digital infrastructure is protected around the clock.”

Noel Mooney, Chief Executive Officer of the Football Association of Wales, said:

“Football today depends on technology more than ever before. From supporting grassroots clubs and volunteers to delivering international fixtures and engaging supporters across Wales and beyond, secure digital services are essential to everything we do.

As we continue investing in the future of Welsh football and expanding our digital capabilities, partnering with Socura strengthens our ability to protect our people, our systems and our data. We’re delighted to be working with another leading Welsh organisation that shares our ambition to deliver excellence and innovation on and off the pitch.”

Find out more about Socura and its cybersecurity services.