The FAW Club Licensing First Instance Body has met in Cardiff today (6 April 2017) to consider UEFA and FAW Domestic Licence applications for the 2017/18 season.
The meeting took place at the Association’s headquarters in Cardiff to assess and consider the 12 UEFA and 17 FAW Domestic Licence applications.
The Committee confirmed that Huws Gary Alliance Champions Prestatyn Town have been awarded the FAW Domestic Licence, so will be promoted to the Welsh Premier League for 2017/18. The Licence completes a remarkable turnaround for the Seasiders who were subjected to an HMRC winding-up order earlier in the season.
Current Welsh Football League leaders Barry Town United were awarded the licence for the second successive season, so subject to the Dragons finishing in the top two of the Welsh Football League; the former Welsh Premier League Champions will be promoted back to the top-flight for the first time since their relegation in 2004.
All existing Dafabet Welsh Premier League clubs were awarded the Domestic Licence, but Rhyl and Airbus UK Broughton were refused the UEFA Licence.
Bangor City were awarded the UEFA Licence conditionally and must replace a vacant coaching position with someone who holds the appropriate qualification within the required 60 days in accordance with the UEFA Regulations.
Aberystwyth Town and Newtown were both conditionally awarded the FAW Domestic and UEFA Licenses and must replace a vacant coaching position with someone who holds the appropriate qualification within the required 60 days in accordance with the FAW Domestic and UEFA Regulations.
Clubs are assessed on the following criteria:
Sporting: Youth & Coaching
Infrastructure
Legal
Personnel & Administration
Financial and Codes of Practice
An FAW Domestic Club Licence is required for clubs to participate in the Welsh Premier League and for those clubs who qualify for European competitions, a UEFA Licence is also a pre-requisite.
The Club Licensing system aims to assist the continual improvement and development of football clubs at the top level within Wales. Licensing is a transparent process that enables clubs to demonstrate to their stakeholders that they meet quality standards.
Following today’s meeting, the independent First Instance Body has decided on the following:
FAW Domestic Licence and UEFA Licence for 2017/18 Season (10 clubs)
Aberystwyth Town
Bala Town
Bangor City
Cardiff Met University
Carmarthen Town
Cefn Druids
Gap Connah’s Quay
Newtown
Llandudno
The New Saints
FAW Domestic Licence for 2017/18 Season (6 clubs)
Airbus UK Broughton
Rhyl FC
Barry Town Utd
Caernarfon Town
Flint Town United
Prestatyn Town
Refused FAW Domestic Licence for 2017/18 Season
Haverfordwest County
Withdrawn Applications
Buckley Town
Conwy Borough
Porthmadog
Penybont
Port Talbot Town
Risca United
Those clubs who have been refused a Licence by the First Instance Body, have ten days in which to submit an appeal. Should an application of appeal be received by the FAW, an Appeals Body will meet in Cardiff on Friday, 21 April 2017.
Updated 21:50 - 2 Sep 2019 by Ashley Cox