Cymru Premier: Twenty-six clubs apply for Tier One Licence for 2020/21 season

The Football Association of Wales has received applications from 26 clubs for the Tier One Licence for the 2020/21 season.

Clubs must have the licence to compete in the Cymru Premier, Wales’ top-flight league.

Along with all 12 Cymru Premier teams, eight teams from the North and six from the South have applied for the Licence.

Swansea University and Prestatyn Town, leaders of the Cymru South and North respectively, have both applied as they go in search of promotion. This is the first time that the former have applied for the Tier One Licence.

FAW Club Licensing Manager Steven Jones said: “Its very pleasing to see an increase in the number of  Tier 2 clubs applying for the Tier 1 Licence.

“This shows that clubs are planning for the future and looking to develop all aspects of their club.”

Former top-flight sides Haverfordwest County and Llanelli Town are among those to apply, while last season’s runners-up Cambrian and Clydach Vale have also put their name forward.

Colwyn Bay and Cwmamman United have joined the Students in applying for the first time, as the number of applicants increased to 26 from 24 in 2018/19.

STM Sports and Llanrhaedr-ym-Mochnant, currently sitting third and second in the Cymru South and North respectively, have opted not to apply for the Licence.

Bangor City, Buckley Town, Flint Town United, Llandudno, Rhyl and Porthmadog – currently bottom of the Cymru North – complete the list of applicants.

The criteria which the clubs will be assessed on is as follows: Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel, Legal and Finance.

(Featured image: Matthew Lofthouse)