Bangor 1876 fail in first bid for Tier 3 licence – 102 clubs assessed, 77 succeed

Ambitious Bangor 1876 have failed in their first bid to obtain Tier 3 status for the 2020-21 season.

The club’s application was one of more than 100 considered remotely by the FAW’s Independent Tier 3 First Instance Body today.

Of the 102 applicant clubs, 77 were awarded Tier 3 Certification in the first instance.

FAW Tier 3 Certification is a prerequisite for participation at Tier 3 of the Welsh Football Pyramid from the start of the 2020/21 season.

The Tier 3 Certification process aims to increase the standard of facilities across Wales and forms a key part of the FAW Pyramid Review process.

Bangor 1876, who stormed to the Gwynedd League title in their debut season, have high hopes of rising the pyramid, but today’s news proved a knockback.

Club media officer Jonathan Ervine said in a statement: “It is with regret that we report that the Football Association of Wales’ independent first instance body have decided that Treborth does not meet the criteria for staging matches in Tier 3 of the Welsh pyramid.

“The club board will meet tonight to discuss today’s decision. Once we receive information about the reasons for today’s verdict, our board will then decide whether or not we will submit an appeal.”

Steven Jones, the FAW’s Club Licensing Manager, explained: “Since the publication of the FAW Tier 3 Ground Criteria Regulations in 2017, the FAW has been working closely with clubs in order to provide them with the best opportunity to meet the Tier 3 criteria.

“In addition, since 2018, approximately £800,000 of Welsh Ground Improvements funding has been allocated to Tier 3 clubs – and to those clubs aspiring to be in Tier 3 – to assist them.

“It has been fantastic to witness first-hand the improvements to grounds across Wales and I cannot credit the clubs and their hard-working volunteers enough for the commitment they have shown to meet the Tier 3 standard. This is reflected in the positive number of clubs that have been successful with their applications.”

Those clubs that have been unsuccessful in the first instance have the right of appeal and the independent appeals panel will meet remotely on 8 July.

Following the conclusion of this process, the FAW National Leagues Board will meet on the 10 July to finalise the make-up of the new Tier 3 Leagues, prior to the new name and brand being released.

Granted FAW Tier 3 Certification for 2020/21 season.
Existing Tier 3 Applicant Clubs

Welsh Alliance League One
Blaenau Amateurs
Denbigh Town
Holyhead Hotspur
Nantlle Vale
Llandudno Albion (at Maesdu Park, Llandudno)
Llanrwst United
St Asaph City

Welsh National League Premier Division
Brickfield Rangers
Brymbo
Cefn Albion (at The Rock, Cefn)
Chirk AAA
Holywell Town
Llay Welfare
Llanuwchllyn (at Maes Tegid, Bala)
Mold Alexandra
Penycae
Rhostyllen
Rhydymwyn

Welsh Alliance Division 2
Aberffraw
Barmouth and Dyffryn
Pwllheli
Y Felinheli

Gwynedd League
Glantraeth

In addition, the following clubs relegated from Tier 2 to Tier 3 also meet the Tier 3 criteria:

Corwen
Llanfair United
Porthmadog

Not granted Tier 3 Certification for the 2020/21 season

Welsh Alliance League One
Bodedern Athletic
Greenfield
Mynydd Llandegai

Welsh National League Premier Division
FC Queen’s Park
Rhos Aelwyd
Saltney Town

Welsh Alliance Division 2
Penmaenmawr Phoenix

Welsh National League Division 1
Lex XI

Withdrawn applications

Penrhyndeudraeth (Welsh Alliance League 1)
Llandudno Amateurs (Welsh Alliance League 2)
Llangollen Town (Welsh National League 1)
Nefyn United (Gwynedd League)

Applied but have confirmed that they will not meet the Tier 3 criteria in the short term

Llannefydd (Welsh Alliance League 2)

Finally, in line with the FAW Pyramid Regulations, the following clubs applied for a vacancy at Tier 3 and their Tier 3 applications were therefore considered by the Panel:

Granted Tier 3 Certification
Hawarden Rangers (Welsh National League 1)

Not granted Tier 3 Certification
Bangor 1876 (Gwynedd League)