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Raglan Juniors FC, like many clubs across Wales this winter, saw several games postponed because of severe weather conditions and waterlogged pitches [BBC] Grassroots football is trialling playing in the summer after wet winter weather postponed 21,800 games over the past four years. Currently, the season runs from September to May, but the Football Association of Wales (FAW) pilot will run from March to November, with an August break. Teams taking part in Project Chwarae – Project Play – claim the switch could lead to more children playing football, while others who refused to join the trial are concerned about losing money and clashes with summer sports.

The FAW said the weather had already postponed 30% of matches this season, and some clubs have barely played on grass pitches since November following a wetter-than-average winter across Wales. The South Wales Women and Girls' League is one of four pilot areas where junior teams will now trial a summer season in 2026, as part of the FAW's scheme. Harper, Eadie, Grace and Alba are all part of the Cogan under-9s, who will be part of the summer football trials [BBC] "I think it's a good idea, because in the summer it's hotter and it won't be raining, so people won't be getting colder," said Harper, 8, who plays for Cogan under-9s in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Her teammates Eadie and Grace agree, and saying they are looking forward to playing in warmer weather, but not all the girls share that view. "I probably prefer playing in the winter," says eight-year-old Alba. "I like playing in the rain and it's really fun.

" Their coach Aidy Blake said waterlogged pitches were not the main factor behind their decision to take part in the trial, since most of their games are played on artificial 3G surfaces. Instead, they are hoping that playing in more favourable weather conditions will help grow enthusiasm for the women and girls' game in particular. Aidy Blake says he was sceptical of summer football at first, but now thinks it will help the game's progression, especially among women and girls [BBC] "You can imagine in the depths of winter when it's freezing cold, lots of rain, and we've got girls standing out there, it's not enjoyable," he explained.