Regional League plan unveiled by Central Wales FA
Restructuring of the Welsh football pyramid has continued as the Mid Wales League will now fall under the Central Wales Football Association’s (CWFA) control.
The Mid Wales section will no longer operate at the third tier of Welsh football.
Currently, the Mid Wales League runs three divisions; Division One, Division Two and the South, which runs from the third to the fifth tier.
From next season, the CWFA have proposed two divisions at a fourth-tier level, split into an Eastern and Western Conference, similar to the FAW Regional Leagues at tier three.
Should the two divisions not be taken up then the CWFA will run an individual league and clubs could withdraw.
- Football Association of Wales considering restructure of Welsh football pyramid
- FAW announce formation of JD Cymru Leagues
- New Mid Wales pyramid reform proposed for 2020/21
- Football Association of Wales outline their plans for Tier Two and Three restructuring
- Tier Two and Three: Clubs submit applications
Clubs have been given an application deadline of the 30th of June, despite uncertainties over the beginning of next season due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the CWFA said: “Although these are very uncertain and worrying times for our clubs for a whole host of reasons, the association has to plan for next season whenever it re-commences,”
“Our clubs may well be of the view that times are so uncertain that the future planning of football in Central Wales is not a priority. We share that concern.
“However, the landscape can change quickly and if it does and a safe return to football is possible, we have to be ready and hope clubs understand that.”
With the possibility of several new clubs being promoted to the new division, complications have arisen in planning for the new leagues.
With ground inspections still uncompleted, clubs are unsure on which league they are competing in next season.
Such uncertainty, clubs have been urged by the CWFA to apply for a Mid Wales League membership as a contingency plan.
A regional Mid Wales League that reduced travel around the area had also been confirmed by the CWFA in a statement, which read:
“Earlier this season the association asked for expressions of interest and based on the responses received we are satisfied that western and eastern divisions are viable,”
“However, these are uncertain times and if two divisions are not viable there will be a single league and clubs would then be offered the opportunity to withdraw.
“A single division would increase the travelling commitment and cost for clubs. The entire approach of has been to devise a competition at the fourth tier which is manageable for our clubs.
“Clubs should note that, if on the basis of applications received a two division Mid Wales League is a viable option, then an application submitted by a club will represent a clear commitment to be part of the league.”
As well as the introduction of a new league at tier four, there has also been the proposal of a reserve league that has received a mixed response.
Clubs are worried about the additional travel a reserve league could pose that some could not afford.
The eligible sides for the proposed reserve league are Aberystwyth Town, Newtown, Guilsfield, Llanfair United, Penrhyncoch, Aberaeron, Bow Street, Caersws, Dolgellau, Four Crosses, Kerry, Llandrindod Wells, Llanidloes Town, Penparcau, Welshpool Town and Llanrhaeadr.
These sides have been given an option to ‘opt out’ of this league by writing to the FAW with reasons by June 30th that “demonstrate to reasonable satisfaction that cost and burden of travel would be prohibitive.”
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
