January start confirmed for amended Cymru Leagues season

A DATE HAS finally been agreed upon for the return of Cymru Leagues football following a National League Board meeting on Monday.

Due to Covid-19, football below the top flight has been on hold since March. However, the FAW confirmed today that the action will resume on an amended schedule from January.

The truncated season will involve teams facing each other once, which will see the campaign conclude with clubs having played 15 games apiece with the clubs scheduled to play eight home matches to be determined by a random draw.

Promotion to the Cymru Premier and relegation to the Ardal Leagues will still apply despite a shortened campaign.

Cymru South general manager Nick Davies said: “After a lot of hard work, it’s great to see a way forward for the #JDCymruNorth and #JDCymruSouth now.

“Being granted ‘elite status’ is a huge positive in allowing the clubs to return to play in a safe and controlled environment.

“I’m looking forward to working with all 16 #JDCymruSouth sides to ensure we can generate the excitement of a football season – whilst ensuring all persons involved remain safe at all times under the conditions of what is the new normal.”

Clubs will be able to prepare for their league campaign by entering Round One of the Nathaniel MG Cup on the weekend of 11/12 December. The draw will take place tomorrow evening as they prepare for their first competitive game in nine months.

Carmarthen Town, Swansea University and Briton Ferry Llansawel from the JD Cymru South and Airbus UK Broughton, Prestatyn Town and Guilsfield from the JD Cymru North have all received byes from last season’s league position.

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)