Who has gained a Tier 2 licence? And who still has work to do?

Rhyl 1879 have been guaranteed Cymru North status for 2025-26

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 and Brickfield Rangers are heading for the JD Cymru North!

Both clubs have been successful in their applications to the FAW for Tier 2 licences.

Rhyl have already won the Tier 3 Ardal North West title, while Brickfield are a point away from being crowned Ardal North East champions, but have already secured a promotion spot by guaranteeing themselves second place. Bricky require a draw against Radnor Valley on Saturday to finish top.

Holyhead Hotspur and Llanuwchllyn, who will meet in a play-off where the prize is elevation to the Cymru North, have also been granted Tier 2 licences.

Refused a men’s Tier 2 licence in the first instance were: current Cymru North club Flint Mountain, plus NFA, Prestatyn Town and St Asaph City from Tier 3. Trearddur Bay, Llanrwst United and Nantlle Vale from Tier 3 withdrew their applications for T2 status.

Clubs whose applications have been turned down have 10 days in which to appeal.

The FAW Men’s & Women’s Tier 2 First Instance Body met yesterday and today to consider the Tier 2 Licensing Applications for the 2025/26 season.

The Panel assessed 67 applicants for the men’s Tier 2 Certification. 51 of which were successful, including 29 of the current JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South clubs and 22 clubs in Tier 3.

Clubs are assessed on the following criteria:

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

The FAW Men’s & Women’s Tier 2 Licence is required for clubs to participate in the JD Cymru North, JD Cymru South, Genero Adran North and Genero Adran South respectively for the 2025/26 season.

The Club Licensing system aims to assist the continual improvement and development of football clubs 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 First Instance Body has decided on the following:

AWARDED Tier 2 Men’s Licence for 2025/26 season (51 clubs)

Existing Tier 2 North clubs:

Airbus UK Broughton
Bangor 1876
Buckley Town
Caersws
Colwyn Bay
Denbigh Town
Gresford Athletic
Guilsfield
Holywell Town
Llandudno
Llay Miners Welfare
Mold Alexandra
Penrhyncoch
Ruthin Town

Existing Tier 2 South clubs:

Afan Lido
Ammanford AFC
Baglan Dragons
Caerau Ely
Cambrian United
Carmarthen Town
Cwmbran Celtic
Goytre United
Llanelli Town
Llantwit Major
Newport City
Penrhiwceiber Rangers
Pontypridd United
Trefelin BGC
Trethomas Bluebirds

Existing Tier 3 North clubs:

Brickfield Rangers
Connah’s Quay Town
CPD Pwllheli
CPD Y Rhyl 1879
Dolgellau AA
Holyhead Hotspur
Llanfair United
Llangefni Town
Llanuwchllyn
Penycae
Porthmadog

Existing Tier 3 South clubs:

Abergavenny Town
Caldicot Town
Canton
Chepstow
Evans & Williams
Goytre
Pontardawe Town
Swansea University
Treowen Stars
Ynyshir Albions
Ynysygerwn

REFUSED FAW Men’s Tier 2 Licence for 2025/26 season (9 clubs)

Cardiff Corinthians – Refused on Personnel
Cardiff Draconians – Refused on Infrastructure
Clydach – Refused on Infrastructure & Personnel
Flint Mountain – Refused on Personnel
Morriston Town – Refused on Infrastructure
NFA – Refused on Infrastructure
Prestatyn Town – Refused on Infrastructure
St Asaph City – Refused on Infrastructure
Taffs Well – Refused on Personnel