The FA of Wales has confirmed the teams in Tier 1 and Tier 2 as part of a major re-structure of the women’s domestic game.
The new pyramid structure includes eight teams in Tier 1 and the introduction of a new regional Tier 2 league in the North and South, also with eight in each league and a new U-19s league in north and south Wales.
37 clubs signed up to the process with 33 progressing to Phase 2, 13 at Tier 1 and 20 at Tier 2, meaning that the competition for the 24 available places was extremely high.
Following this thorough review, Tiers 1 and 2 were determined as follows:
Tier 1:
Aberystwyth Town
Barry Town United
Cardiff City FC
Cardiff Met University
Pontypridd Town (formerly Cyncoed)
Port Talbot Town
Swansea City
The New Saints
Tier 2 North:
Airbus UK Broughton
Bethel
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Denbigh Town
Llandudno
Llanfair United
Pwllheli
Wrexham
Tier 2 South:
Abergavenny
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Caldicot Town
Cardiff Bluebelles
Cascade YC
Merthyr Town
Talycopa
Swansea University
Lowri Roberts, FAW’s Head of Women’s Football, told faw.cymru: “It’s been inspiring to see the level of work clubs have put into their application. We’ve seen a real shift in mindset from the clubs in how they are developing elite environments for players and how they are building for a sustainable future.
“Through implementing an open application process for entry into the new leagues, a club’s place was not solely down to sporting merit but also robust club structures. It has made clubs review their entire structure, playing pathways and the provision they provide players. As a result, all clubs will be collectively striving to continuously improve standards in a competitive environment.”
In August, ahead of the 2021/22 season, the FAW will unveil a new visual identity and name for the top two tiers and the U-19s leagues, signalling a new era of domestic women’s football in Wales.
