Two new clubs linked to famous football hotbeds given major boost

Five North Wales football clubs who will operate in Tier 4 of the new Welsh pyramid this season have gained a licence to compete at a level higher.

Bangor 1876, Dolgellau AAA, Glantraeth, CPD Penrhyndeudraeth and CPD Y Rhyl 1879 have all secured Tier 3 Licence status, meaning they fit the criteria for promotion should the 2021-22 campaign go well for them.

1876 were formed in 2019-20 and won the Gwynedd League title without losing a game, while 1879 are a phoenix club born from the ashes of Rhyl FC, which folded in 2020 after 141 years of existence.

Not so fortunate were Tier 4 clubs Halkyn & Flint Mountain, Hawarden Rangers and Pwllheli, whose Tier 3 applications were refused.

Blaenau Ffestiniog Amateurs, who are already in Ardal North West, were also turned down for Tier 3 at the first attempt.

The FAW Tier 3 First Instance Body met remotely today to consider the Tier 3 Licensing Applications for the 2021/22 season.

The clubs were assessed against a number of infrastructure and personnel criteria.

FAW Tier 3 Licensing is a mandatory requirement for clubs to participate at Tier 3 of the Welsh Football Pyramid for the 2021/22 season in the Ardal Leagues.

Following today’s meeting, the decisions of the independent First Instance Body were:

TIER 3 – GRANTED

Ardal North East (14)
• Berriew
• Bow Street
• Caersws
• Carno
• Cefn Albion
• Chirk AAA
• Corwen
• Four Crosses
• Kerry
• Llanfair United
• Penparcau
• Penycae
• Rhos Aelwyd
• Welshpool Town

Ardal North West (15)
• Brickfield Rangers
• Brymbo
• CPD Porthmadog
• Denbigh Town
• Nantlle Vale
• Llandudno Albion
• Llanrwst United
• Llanuwchllyn
• Llay Welfare
• Mold Alex
• Rhostyllen
• Rhydymwyn
• Saltney Town
• St Asaph City
• CPD Y Felinheli

TIER 3 – REFUSED

Ardal NE (1)
• Machynlleth

Ardal NW (1)
• Blaenau Amateurs

TIER 3 – WITHDRAWN

Ardal NE (1)
• Montgomery Town

TIER 4 (NORTH) APPLICANT CLUBS – GRANTED (5)

• Bangor 1876
• Dolgellau AAA
• Glantraeth
• CPD Penrhyndeudraeth
• CPD Y Rhyl 1879

TIER 4 (NORTH) APPLICANT CLUBS – REFUSED (3)

• Halkyn & Flint Mountain
• Hawarden Rangers
• Pwllheli