Football in Welsh leagues can start from July 1 – provided COVID-19 guidelines are met

Denbigh Development and NFA meet in the 2019-20 season. Picture: Roy Gunther

The 2021-22 senior football season in Wales can start from July 1 – subject to Welsh Government’s COVID-19 guidelines.

However, there is no news on whether matches will be able to exceed the current 30-person limit.

It was announced this morning by the Football Association of Wales that friendlies between senior clubs can take place between April 26 and June 30.

The beginning of the 2021-22 senior season is specifically dependent on reaching Alert Level 2 of the Welsh Government’s Coronavirus Control Plan, but the present target is a July 1 start.

The National Leagues Board recently announced the following start dates for the various FAW competitions in Wales:
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: 31 July
FAW Development League: TBC
FAW Reserve Leagues: 31 July
FAW Youth Leagues: TBC
FAW Academy Leagues: 18 July

Some of these start dates could now be brought forward following today’s news.

As for tiers 4 and 5, the NEWFA have confirmed they intend to start competitive fixtures on July 3.

No decision has yet been made by the North Wales Coast FA.

The Return to Football Roadmap also includes the following dates for junior and youth football:

Present to May 31: Friendlies and some league competitive fixtures permitted
June 1 to August 6: Friendly fixtures allowed. No tournaments of festivals
From August 7: 2021/22 league seasons will be permitted to start