Blow to Holywell Town’s top flight promotion hopes

Holywell Town players celebrate a league win in December

Holywell Town’s hopes of promotion to the Cymru Premier League next season have received a setback.

The Cymru North title favourites, last in the top-flight of Welsh football in 1996-97, have been refused a Tier 1 licence, an essential qualification to compete in the CPL.

The Flintshire-based club has 10 days in which to appeal.

Of the other clubs in Tier 2 Cymru North to apply, both Airbus UK Broughton and Flint Town United have been granted the T1 licence, but Bangor 1876 were turned down.

Ruthin Town withdrew their application.

In response to the decision, Holywell Town said on social media: “Further to the decision received from the FAW, the club are disappointed with the outcome and will meet in the coming days to decide on its next step.”

The First Instance Body (FIB) met today (4 April) to assess and consider the UEFA and FAW Tier 1 applications.

16 of the 23 applications for a Tier 1 licence have been successful, including 11 of the current JD Cymru Premier clubs and 5 clubs in Tier 2. In addition, 9 of the JD Cymru Premier clubs achieved a UEFA Licence.

Clubs are assessed on the following criteria:
Sporting: Youth & Coaching
Infrastructure
Legal
Personnel & Administration
Financial
Football Social Responsibility

The FAW Tier 1 Licence is required for clubs to participate in the JD Cymru Premier and for those clubs who qualify for European competitions, a UEFA Licence is also a pre-requisite.

The Club Licensing system aims to assist the continual improvement and development of football clubs at the top level within Wales. Licensing is a transparent process that enables clubs to demonstrate to their stakeholders that they meet quality standards.

Following today’s meeting, the independent FIB Panel has decided on the following:

UEFA Licence for 2024/25 season (9 clubs)

Bala Town
Barry Town United
Caernarfon Town
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Cardiff Met University
Haverfordwest County
Newtown
Penybont
The New Saints

Refused UEFA Licence for 2024/25 season (1 club)

Aberystwyth Town

Withdrawn UEFA Licence Applications for 2024/2025 season (1 club)

Colwyn Bay

FAW Tier 1 Licence for 2024/25 season (16 clubs)

Aberystwyth Town
Airbus UK Broughton
Bala Town
Barry Town United
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Caernarfon Town
Cardiff Met University
Carmarthen Town
Colwyn Bay
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Flint Town United
Haverfordwest County
Llanelli Town
Newtown
Penybont
The New Saints