Mixed fortunes for North Wales clubs applying for top-tier licence

Five North Wales clubs currently playing in the Cymru North have failed in their first attempt to secure a Tier 1 licence.

Bangor 1876, Buckley Town, Denbigh Town, Holywell Town and Ruthin Town were all turned down by the FAW’s First Instance Body today. They have 10 days in which to appeal.

Gresford Athletic and Llandudno withdrew their applications.

However, the two clubs vying for the Cymru North title, Airbus UK Broughton and Colwyn Bay, were both granted a T1 licence, a prerequisite to compete in the Cymru Premier League.

The First Instance Body (FIB) met today (8 April) to assess and consider the UEFA and FAW Men’s Tier 1 applications.

Sixteen of the 30 applications for a Tier 1 licence have been successful, including 12 of the current JD Cymru Premier clubs and 4 clubs in Tier 2.

In addition, 8 of the JD Cymru Premier clubs achieved a UEFA Licence.

Clubs are assessed on the following criteria:

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

The FAW Men’s 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 prerequisite.

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 UEFA Men’s Licence for 2025/26 season (8 clubs)

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

Refused UEFA Men’s Licence for 2025/26 season (2 clubs)

Aberystwyth Town – Refused on Infrastructure & Personnel
Newtown – Refused on Personnel

Awarded FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence for 2025/26 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

Refused FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence for 2024/25 season (14 clubs)

Bangor 1876 – Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel.
Buckley Town – Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel, Legal & Financial
Denbigh Town – Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel, Legal & Financial
Holywell Town – Refused on Infrastructure & Personnel.
Ruthin Town – Refused on Infrastructure & Financial
Ammanford
Baglan Dragons
Caerau Ely
Cambrian United
Llantwit Major
Newport City
Penrhyncoch
Pontypridd United
Trefelin BGC – Refused on Sporting, Social & Environmental Sustainability, Infrastructure, Personnel, Legal & Financial

Withdrawn FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence Applications for 2025/2026 season (8 clubs)

Afan Lido
Cwmbran Celtic
Goytre United
Gresford Athletic
Guilsfield
Llandudno
Taffs Well
Trethomas Bluebirds

Those clubs who have been refused a licence by the First Instance Body, have 10 days in which to submit an appeal.

Incentive for clubs

In line with the JD Cymru Premier strategy, the FAW has allocated significant investment via the Future Growth Fund for Tier 2 clubs to access over the next 12 months to significantly develop stadium infrastructure to deliver more compliant Tier 1 Clubs for the 2026/27 season league expansion.

The FAW encouraged a record number of Tier 2 clubs to apply for the Tier 1 Licence for the 2025/26 season. A prerequisite to access the Future Growth Fund.

Many clubs had not applied for the Tier 1 Licence previously, so this year acted as a benchmark for clubs to establish an action plan for clubs to meet the Tier 1 Licensing requirements for future seasons.