Something else happened on Friday evening as the Welsh construction industry celebrated at the Celtic Manor. Wales defeated Belgium in a tense European Championship football group match.

Some of the credit for the great result (the football) on Friday evening goes to construction – the great enabling force in Wales. Because where the Welsh team’s match preparation took place is also the site of the winner of the Client of the Year in the 2014 CEW Awards: Football Association of Wales – National Football Centre

The new National Football Development Centre demonstrates the Football Association of Wales (FAW) commitment to delivering a sustainable future for Welsh football. Built as part of a joint venture between FAW and stakeholders such as UEFA, FIFA, the Welsh Government, Sport Wales and Newport Council, the project had strong leadership from the FAW. There was a strong emphasis on communicating what was important and good use of publicity and high profile football figures such as Ian Rush to underline key issues such as health and safety. The client (Kevin Moon - FAW) led the whole team, right through from concept and planning, design and detailing, material section and site operations. Throughout the scheme the clients drive and vision had a positive impact. Indeed, whilst it might be fair to say the client was not an expert, they knew what was wanted and the finished centre – opened by Michel Platini and Carwyn Jones – is an example of collaboration with a client with clear objectives. Indeed, the centre is central to the future development and success of Welsh football – hence the client team’s vision. It is a purpose built facility providing top class training, playing, sports science and education facilities as well as HQ administrative accommodation for its coaching and development operation for the Welsh Football Trust – WFT. 

There were also great lessons to be learned by the contractors with sporting psychology and a team ethos being played out across the scheme and the Best Play Team Play theme connected very well with the principles championed by CEW. This was a clear cut client, contractor relationship and worked exceptionally well because the client was clear about what he wanted and needed. The contractor site team commented that: "The client was made in heaven - they knew what they wanted and what they needed. They worked tirelessly to achieve their vision, but involving and listening to every member of the team: truly inspirational."