Page 3 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.20 2020-21

The Football Association of Wales has this week confirmed the teams in Tier 1 and Tier 2 as
part of a major re-structure of the women's domestic game.
The re-structure was implemented following a full review of the pyramid in 2020,
which included consultation with clubs, players, leagues and officials at all levels. The outcome
highlighted key changes required in the top two tiers of the pyramid whilst also addressing the
significant gap between U16s and senior football.
The new pyramid structure includes eight teams in Tier 1 and the introduction of a new
regional Tier 2 league in the North and South, also with eight in each league and a new U19s
league in north and south Wales.
To determine which clubs would take their place in these new leagues, the FAW
oversaw an open application process that involved two stages. The first was the initial licence
award where clubs provided evidence to show that they met the minimum criteria for each level.
Successful Clubs progressed to Phase 2, presenting their club development plan to a
panel of FAW, FAW Trust and FIFA experts who assessed clubs across seven key areas; three
of these were ‘core', awarding double marks for Sporting (factoring in previous performance
in the League), Financial Sustainability and Human Resources.
37 clubs signed up to the process with 33 progressing to Phase 2, 13 at Tier 1 and 20 at
Tier 2, meaning that the competition for the 24 available places was extremely high. Following
this thorough review, Tiers 1 and 2 were determined as follows:
TIER 1 TIER 2 NORTH TIER 2 SOUTH
Aberystwyth Town Airbus UK Broughton Abergavenny Women
Barry Town Utd Bethel Ladies Briton Ferry Llansawel
Cardiff City Women Connah's Quay Nomads Caldicot Town
Cardiff Met Women Denbigh Town Cardiff Bluebelles
Pontypridd Town Llandudno Cascade YC
Port Talbot Town Llanfair Utd Merthyr Town
Swansea City Pwllheli Talycopa
The New Saints Wrexham Swansea University
Lowri Roberts, FAW's Head of Women's Football, said: "It's been inspiring to see the
level of work clubs have put into their application. We've seen a real shift in mindset from the
clubs in how they are developing elite environments for players and how they are building for
a sustainable future.
"Through implementing an open application process for entry into the new leagues, a
club's place was not solely down to sporting merit but also robust club structures. It has made
clubs review their entire structure, playing pathways and the provision they provide players.
As a result, all clubs will be collectively striving to continuously improve standards in a
competitive environment."
Andrew Howard, FAW Head of Competitions, added: "Throughout this process we
have seen clubs securing significant investment into their women's programmes and strong
commitments in terms of resources being made available within the clubs, from appointing
full time staff to long term partnership agreements. Clubs should be very proud of what they
have achieved off the field over the last year and we look forward to this exciting new chapter
for women's domestic football in Wales."
In August, ahead of the 2021-22 season, the FAW will unveil a new visual identity and
name for the top two tiers and the U19s leagues, signaling a new era of domestic women's
football in Wales. WPWL Club Representative on FAW Council, Gail Powell, said: "The new
structure will have a major impact on development and sustainability- we are looking forward
to the new season in 2021-22 with a new look Tier 1, Tier 2 and U19s divisions."
Issue no. 20 - 3 June 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk