FAW announce dates for return of football under their banner – no news yet on Tiers 4 and 5

The Football Association of Wales’ National Leagues Board has confirmed the start dates for National Leagues competitions for the 2021/22 season.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of competitions in the 2020/21 season were cancelled.

Consequently, the majority of FAW National League competitions will commence earlier than normal for the 2021/22 season.

For those competitions which are starting earlier than normal, the decision to start earlier has been taken following guidance that has been issued in the Welsh Government Coronavirus Control Plan, which advises that ‘spring and summer give us hope of more freedom, as rates of infection fall and more people are vaccinated.’

The Control Plan also details that ‘scientific modelling from a range of sources points to the very high likelihood of a third wave of infections later this year.’

Therefore, the FAW is looking to maximise the playing opportunities where possible in the 2021/22 season, whilst taking into account the possible threat of further interruptions to competitions.

For those competitions which are not starting earlier than normal, it is believed that there is sufficient time to complete the competitions even taking into consideration the threat of any further interruptions to competitions.

Competition Start Dates

JD Cymru Premier: TBC
Women’s Tier 1: 4/5 September
JD Cymru North / South: 24 July
Nathaniel MG Cup: 17 July (Tier 2 & Wildcard Entries)
Ardal Leagues (tier 3): 31 July
FAW Development League: TBC
FAW Reserve Leagues: 31 July
FAW Youth Leagues: TBC
FAW Academy Leagues: 18 July

We now await return dates for Tiers 4 and 5 under the auspices of the North East Wales Football Association and North Wales Coast Football Association.