And still we await news on the FAW Trophy last 16 draw…it’s a disgrace

Nine days since fourth round matches in the FAW Amateur Trophy were completed and we are still no nearer to knowing the draw for the last 16.

I was told recently by an official source that the FAW competitions committee no longer organises draws and that these are now the responsibility of the National Cup Board.

Well, this board is failing its clubs through its attitude towards the FAW Trophy.

Board – We’re BORED of waiting. In fact, to quote The Kinks…so tired, tired of waiting 🎼🎼

Trophy draws were normally always made by the FAW on a Monday or Tuesday after the previous round, but once already this season, one was delayed until a Friday, when the World Cup was not on.

No notice or announcement, I found out the draw date from the FAW.

Yes, we are all aware there is a World Cup happening and our beloved Cymru has qualified for the finals for the first time in 64 years.

Yes, we are so proud of this, and realise this takes priority over all else, but grassroots football also goes on and also needs attention.

Surely there are enough people available, who are not in Qatar, to conduct a simple draw.

It’s not as if our cup draws are grand events needing much preparation, star guests or crisps, party hats and champagne.

As we have already seen, they involve one of two people in a small space, with a table, a plastic bowl and a few balls. It could be done by the local bobby during the cup board’s lunch hour.

It’s not HOW it’s done, it’s just GETTING it done.

Fair enough, round five matches will not take place until JANUARY 28, 2023, but that doesn’t really justify delaying the draw.

Clubs want to know who they are playing NOW, plan ahead, especially if they face long distance ties.

Of course, maybe clubs have been told the draw and I haven’t, but surely something would have appeared somewhere if that was the case…….

Five North Wales teams remain in the competition – Bangor 1876, Denbigh Town, Llanberis, Nantlle Vale and Rhos Aelwyd.

I’ve written to FAW heads today requesting action on this – here is my email……….

Dear Sirs……..

We know there’s a World Cup on but I was wondering if any decision has been made on when the last 16 draw for the Dragon Signs FAW Amateur Trophy will be conducted?

Round four matches were played on the weekend of November 18-19, but despite this being a national competition, the next round pairings are still unknown 10 days on and counting.

Surely there is someone at Hensol, who has not travelled to Qatar, capable of making the draw for such a prestigious competition?

I cannot think of a reason why the draw has not been made, especially as such events are conducted in the most basic of environments anyway.

Many clubs are frustrated, not knowing who they are facing next and thus being unable to plan ahead. I get asked daily by clubs and supporters what is going on.

I hope the FAW addresses this matter as soon as possible.

As I said, I am as conscious as anyone that Cymru has reached its first World Cup finals since 1958 and that takes priority, but the grassroots game also continues and deserves respect and attention.

Best wishes
Dave Jones