Wrexham AFC Women fail in first bid for a Tier 1 licence

Wrexham AFC Women have failed in their first bid to gain a licence needed to continue competing in the Adran Premier League next season.

Currently third in the top flight and qualified for the Welsh Cup final, the North Wales side were today refused an FAW Women’s Tier 1 application on ‘infrastcuture criteria’.

The club has 10 days in which to appeal.

However, Wrexham were successful in applying for a UEFA Licence.

Meanwhile, Connah’s Quay Nomads, the 2024-25 Genero Adran North champions, have secured a Tier 1 Licence and must now win a play-off against the Adran South title winners to be promoted to the Adran Premier in 2025-26.

Current Adran South leaders Pontypridd United have gained the Tier 1 licence, but fellow contenders Cascade YC have failed at the first attempt, while Cwmbran Celtic have withdrawn their application.

The First Instance Body (FIB) met today (27 March) to assess and consider the UEFA and FAW Women’s Tier 1 applications.

Nine of the 11 applications for a Tier 1 licence have been successful, including seven of the current Genero Adran Premier clubs and two clubs in Tier 2. In addition, six of the Genero Adran Premier clubs achieved a UEFA Licence.

Clubs are assessed on the following criteria:

• Sporting: Youth & Coaching
• Social and Environmental Sustainability
• Infrastructure
• Personnel & Administration
• Legal
• Financial
• Codes of Practice

The FAW Women’s Tier 1 Licence is required for clubs to participate in the Genero Adran 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:

Awarded the UEFA Women’s Licence for 2025/26 season (6 clubs)

Briton Ferry Llansawel
Cardiff City
Cardiff Met University
Swansea City
The New Saints
Wrexham

Awarded the FAW Women’s Tier 1 Licence for 2025/26 season (9 clubs)

Aberystwyth Town
Barry Town United
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Cardiff City
Cardiff Met University
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Pontypridd United
Swansea City
The New Saints

Refused FAW Women’s Tier 1 Licence for 2025/26 season (2 clubs)

Cascade YC – Refused on Personnel & Administration Criteria
Wrexham – Refused on Infrastructure Criteria

Withdrawn FAW Women’s Tier 1 Licence Applications for 2025/2026 season (1 club)

Cwmbran Celtic

Those clubs who have been refused a Licence by the First Instance Body, have ten days in which to submit an appeal.