They’re going up! Holywell Town secure promotion licence for Cymru Premier League

Holywell Town is to return to the Cymru Premier League for the first time in 27 years.

Not since 1998-99, when the Flintshire club was relegated from the top flight. has ii competed in Tier 1 of Welsh football.

Holywell had qualified for promotion to the Cymru Premier next season after finishing in the top three of the Cymru North this term alongside champions Llandudno and Airbus UK Broughton.

However, while the other two North Wales clubs were successful in gaining a Tier 1 licence essential to participate in at the highest domestic level, the Wellmen initially failed in their bid 

The club appealed, and today learned it has been successful. Bala Town and Colwyn Bay also received the thumbs up second time around.

Holywell previously won the Tier 2 Cymru North title in 2023-24, but were turned down for promotion as the facilities at its Halkyn Road ground did not meet the necessary criteria.

However, the situation has now changed and the Wellmen are bound for the Premier.

Long-serving manager Johnny Haseldin, who has been in charge since 2012 and overseen not far short of 500 games at the helm, was ecstatic at the news.

“History makers!,” he said. “14 years of hard work , we have finally got the club back where it belongs.

“Unbelievable effort from everyone involved – 27 years away but Welsh Prem here we come.”

Current Cymru Premier clubs Bala Town and Colwyn Bay also failed to secure a Tier 1 licence at the first attempt, but were also successful on appeal.

What happened today?

The FAW Appeals Body (AB) met today (16 April) to consider the appeals as a result of the First Instance Body decisions (8 April) on UEFA and FAW Men’s Tier 1 applications.
The FAW received five appeals for consideration from Bala Town, Caerau Ely, Carmarthen Town, Colwyn Bay and Holywell Town. All clubs were successful.
A record number of 22 clubs have achieved the Tier 1 Club Licence, marking a significant increase compared to previous seasons, where 16 clubs got the green light. This success reflects the excellent work carried out behind the scenes by all clubs in securing their licence. Club Licensing provides a framework that supports clubs in strengthening their off-field operations, helping to professionalise their structures for participation in the Cymru Premier.
In addition, 10 of the JD Cymru Premier clubs achieved a UEFA Licence.

Jack Sharp, FAW Head of Domestic Leagues, said: “It has taken a significant collective effort to ensure 22 clubs have gained a Tier 1 licence ahead of the 2026/27 season and the relaunch of the Cymru Premier. Massive credit must go to every club that has invested the time, commitment and resources required to meet these standards.
“When we announced the new Cymru Premier structure in September 2024, I recognised the scale of the challenge to deliver a 16-team league defined by sporting merit. To get to this moment has required careful strategic planning, and strong collaboration with our clubs. Our £1.2 million investment into the Cymru North and South through the Future Growth Fund has played an important role in enabling clubs to enhance their infrastructure, but this is only one part of a much broader process.
“I am extremely proud of the work carried out by the Domestic Football and Club Licensing team, who have supported clubs across all areas since September, to give us the best possible opportunity to reach this point and share today’s positive news. We now look ahead with excitement to how the final weekend of the season unfolds.”

Awarded UEFA Men’s Licence for 2026/27 season (10 clubs)

Barry Town United
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Caernarfon Town
Cardiff Met
Colwyn Bay
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Flint Town United
Haverfordwest County
Penybont
The New Saints

Refused UEFA Men’s Licence for 2026/27 season (1 club)

Llanelli Town – Refused on Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, Legal & Financial

Awarded FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence for 2026/27 season (22 clubs)

Aberystwyth Town
Airbus UK Broughton
Ammanford
Bala Town
Barry Town United
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Caerau Ely
Caernarfon Town
Cambrian United
Cardiff Met
Carmarthen Town
Colwyn Bay
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Flint Town United
Haverfordwest County
Holywell Town
Llandudno
Llanelli Town
Newtown
Penybont
The New Saints
Trefelin BGC

Refused FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence for 2026/27 season (3 clubs)

Llantwit Major
Newport City
Penrhyncoch

Withdrawn FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence Applications for 2026/2027 season (9 clubs)

Afan Lido
Brickfield Rangers
Buckley Town
CPD Y Rhyl 1879
Denbigh Town
Gresford Athletic
Guilsfield
Pontypridd United
Ruthin Town