Champions will need to play-off to reach women’s football Tier 2 – farce!

Llangefni Town and Wrexham Foresters will need to play-off for the right to compete in Tier 2 next season.

Despite both teams winning their respective leagues this term with unbeaten records, one of these ambitious, progressive clubs will remain in Tier 3 in 2026-27.

Both could have been promoted had current Genero Adran North club Berriew lost their appeal against an initial Tier 2 licence refusal.

However, it has been revealed today that the Powys club have won their appeal, so will remain where they are.

Last season, just seven teams competed in Adran North and it was decided by the FAW there would be no relegation.

Rewarded for failure…….

Another baffling decision from an organisation which makes running domestic women’s football appear like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube wearing a blindfold.

Had Connah’s Quay Nomads been promoted to the Adran Premier as undefeated Adran North champions like they should have been, instead of being forced to enter a play-off they lost, Foresters and Llangefni could both have been elevated.

As yet, no date or venue has been set for the promotion play-off final between Cefni, champions of the North Wales Coast League and Foresters, title winners in Central Wales North. It is believed, however, the match will take place at Maes Tegid, Bala.

One would hope the location chosen would be fairly equi-distant for both teams. It’s the very least the FAW can do for robbing one of these outstanding sides a chance to progress. Both have already proved what they are capable of by beating Tier 2 teams in cup competitions.

Awarded FAW Women’s Tier 2 Licence Applications for 2026/2027 season (22 clubs)

Existing Tier 2 North clubs:

Berriew
CPDM Bangor
CPDM Y Felinheli
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Flint Town United
Llandudno
Llanfair United

PARTING SHOT…….

Do the FAW actually ever exercise this rule when assessing licence applications/appeals?