Cymru Football App users alert…changes coming on Monday – but will they improve the service?

The FAW will introduce a new sign-on feature to the Cymru Football App from Monday, 3 November.

The Cardiff-based governing body say the move is part of its continued commitment to improving the digital experience for everyone involved in Welsh football.

“The Cymru Football App provides supporters and participants across the country with instant access to official information from all levels of the Welsh game,” says the FAW.

“”The app offers up-to-date fixtures, results, league tables, player statistics, and live match events, including goals and substitutions etc.

“Users can also personalise their experience by selecting favourite teams, players, or competitions to receive real-time notifications. Powered by data from the FAW’s COMET system, the Cymru Football App delivers accurate and reliable information, making it an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to stay connected with Welsh football.

“From Monday, 3 November, all users will be required to create or log in to an account to continue using the Cymru Football App. This new sign-on process will enhance the user experience and allow the FAW to better understand its audiences, helping to shape future improvements to the app and to the FAW’s wider suite of digital platforms.

“For those already active on the FAW COMET system through their involvement in Welsh football, users will be able use their existing login details to access the app. A dedicated email will also be sent to users containing a unique link to complete their Cymru Football App registration. This will ensure that existing FAW account details are securely and seamlessly connected to the app.

“This update represents another important step in the FAW’s ongoing digital transformation journey, aimed at creating a more connected, accessible, and personalised experience for supporters, players, coaches, and clubs across Wales.”

WHAT GRASSROOTS NORTH WALES WEBSITE CONSIDER GOOD AND NOT-SO-GOOD ASPECTS OF THE CYMRU FOOTBALL APP

GOOD

• Offers a wealth of information from across the whole pyramid never previously available to fans of Welsh football
• Up-to-date scores pretty much as the goals go in
• Access to seven days of fixtures ahead in Wales
• Player squads/lists updated very quickly after signings are made, excellent stats available dating back in many cases to 2019-20

NOT-SO-GOOD

• Constant interruptions of the service through pop-up adverts. While revenue from these ads helps the FAW keep the service free, it can be a turn-off for some followers, especially those who want information quickly. Any way of reducing the amount of adverts, or making them shorter so we don’t have to wait a while before being able to close them down?
• League fixtures and results are often erratic in order of presentation. Sometimes North Wales leagues will turn up in the middle of a long run of South Wales divisions and visa-versa. This can make leagues hard to find if you are scrolling. Often a lower ranked division will be placed above a higher one (eg North Wales Coast West Division One above the Premier Division). Sometimes cup fixtures/scores from different areas are spread around/combined sporadically. North, South, Mid etc should be listed in sequence together and according to tier levels.
• Teams are often not listed in alphabetical order. This is the traditional method used by most results services and many Apps of this kind, but not the Cymru Football one.
• Sometimes cup ties which end in draws are left with the score as it is with no information on penalty shootouts until some time later, if at all.

Overall, the Cymru Football App is a great concept but there is room for what would appear to be simple amendments which would improve the service which are never made. There is no one obvious to contact with observations/complaints and (constructive) comments on social media requiring a response are largely ignored.