South Wales Alliance League start date postponed
The South Wales Alliance League, season, which was due to begin next Saturday, has seen its start date postponed.
The League were hoping for further easing of restrictions in Wales last week, however a rise in Coronavirus cases, owing to the Delta variant, has seen those plans put on hold for the next month.
The decision relates to a lack of changing room access for matches. At the moment, players are encouraged to change into their kit at home and clean at home.
In an email sent to club secretaries, the league’s secretary Phil Sweet said: “As a result of current regulations state that venues would have to function without the full use of changing facilities until at least that date.
“The rationale behind this decision is to allow additional time for both the Welsh Government and the FAW to issue further directives on the issue.”
Further on, two of its member clubs in Aberdare Town and Ton & Gelli BC tweeted: “The Alliance League was due to start on 3rd July however that has been put back provisionally until 24th July subject to further Welsh Government and FAW guidance.
“We now await a decision on the FAW Cup and Trophy games.”
Despite the leagues’ delay, clubs in South Wales will still be able to play friendly matches in the absence of competitive games.
Meanwhile, The North Wales Coast League and the North Wales East Leagues, which also sit at the same level of the Welsh pyramid system are due to start next week.
The NE Wales League confirmed they will begin next week, despite the same restrictions on changing room access.
The decision has been taken by league officials but now attention will turn to whether the FAW Trophy and Welsh Cup fixtures will take place. Round One of both competitions take place on July 10 and then a week later on July 17.
Those two competitions are under the guidance of the Football Association of Wales, meaning a decision on whether to postpone the fixtures will lay with them.
