Great news for Welsh Cup – FAW scrap seeding system for higher-ranked clubs

Great news about this season’s JD Welsh Cup – the FAW’s controversial seeding system has been scrapped.

For the past two campaigns, the 12 tier 1 Cymru Premier clubs, plus eight from both the Cymru North and Cymru South, were ranked when they entered at the second round stage.

In 2021-22, the seeded teams could be drawn home or away against lower opposition. Last season, they were given away ties only.

The FAW tried to sell the idea on the basis it would create more David v Goliath matches.

However, others argued the national body may have been aiming to keep elite clubs in the competition for longer, increasing their chances of winning it and potentially creating more income in subsequent European prize money.

Grassroots North Wales has always believed the Welsh Cup, like the FA Cup, should be open draw all the way through. Seeding is purely a means of protecting the bigger clubs.

And as for the David v Goliath point, the ‘Davids’ would only really benefit from away gate income if they drew a well-supported top club.

The majority of the Cymru Premier clubs pull in low attendances.

In their recent article “JD Welsh Cup QR1 Draw: Everything you need to know”, the FAW’s decision to abandon seeding was not mentioned prominently and described as a “small change”.

We argue that it is BIG change, giving more opportunity of progression to the “little guys” and keeping alive the romance of a national cup competition which has become almost sterile.

The competition kicks off this Saturday, July 29, and here is the first qualifying round draw

NORTH WEST/CENTRAL (26 TIES)

Aberffraw v Penrhyndeudraeth
Amlwch Town v Llanrug United
Bethesda Athletic v Llanrwst United
Blaenau Ffestiniog Amateurs v Boded
Bow FC v Penmaenmawr Phoenix (switched to Cae Sling, Penmaenmawr)
Caer Clwyd v Rhos United
Cemaes Bay v Talysarn Celts
Cerrigydrudion v Llandudno Amateurs
Glan Conwy v Rhuddlan Town
Glantraeth v Gwalchmai
Holyhead Town v Bethesda Rovers
Llanberis v Bontnewydd
Llandudno Junction v Llannefydd
Llandyrnog United v Bro Cernyw
Llangoed v Llanfairpwll
Llannerchymedd v Nantlle Vale
Llysfaen v Llansannan
Meliden v Kinmel Bay
Menai Bridge Tigers v Barmouth and Dyffryn
Mochdre Sports v Llanfairfechan Town
Nefyn United v Cefni
NFA v Penrhyn Bay
Pwllheli v Llangefni Town
Rhyl Dragons v St Asaph City
CPD Y Felinheli v Trearddur Bay
CPD Y Glannau v Abergele

NORTH EAST WALES (10 ties)

Brickfield Rangers v Saltney Town
Caerwys v Corwen
Coedpoeth United v Llangollen Town
Connah’s Quay Town v Mynydd Isa
Greenfield v Castell Alun Colts
Holywell United v Llay Welfare
Penycae v Rhostyllen
Rhos Aelwyd v Overton Recreational
Rhydymwyn v CPD Gronant
Yr Wyddgrug v Hawarden Rangers

18 CLUBS HAVE RECEIVED BYES TO QUALIFYING ROUND TWO

Bow Street
Caldicot Town
Cefn Albion
Cefn Cribwr
Conwy Borough
Flint Mountain
Holyhead Hotspur
Llanfair United
Llanuwchllyn
Penwhiwceiber Rangers
Penrhyncoch
Pontyclun
Risca United
Swansea University
Trethomas Bluebirds
Undy Athletic
CPD Y Rhyl 1879
Ynyshir Albions

FAW – How does the format of the JD Welsh Cup work for 2023/2024?

As per the Competition Rules, all Tier 1-3 clubs must enter the competition.

The stages at which the clubs will enter the competition remains unchanged from last season.

28 clubs will be provided with byes directly to round 2.

This will consist of the 12 JD Cymru Premier clubs for 2023/2024, who will be joined by eight clubs from the JD Cymru North and eight from the JD Cymru South, based on their finishing positions from 2022/2023.

16 clubs will be provided with byes directly to round 1.

This will consist of the remaining Cymru North & South sides, who had not received a bye to round 2.

These 16 clubs will also consist of those promoted to Tier 2 from Tier 3 in 2022/2023.

On the basis of the number of entrants this year, 18 clubs from Tier 3 were provided byes to qualifying round 2 – which was determined on the basis of sporting merit, using the finishing positions from 2022/2023.

FAW Quote: “In one small change to the competition this season, there will no longer be seeding in round 2 for clubs, therefore, the JD Welsh Cup will operate on an open draw basis, so anyone can draw anyone.“

Well done to the FAW, who also this season have started hosting qualifying round draws live to boost inclusion for grassroots clubs.

Good luck everyone!