The First Instance Body (FIB) met (8 April) to assess and consider the UEFA and FAW Men’s Tier 1 applications.
Sixteen of the 30 applications for a Tier 1 licence have been successful, including 12 of the current JD Cymru Premier clubs and 4 clubs in Tier 2. In addition, 8 of the JD Cymru Premier clubs achieved a UEFA Licence.
Clubs are assessed on the following criteria:
- Sporting: Youth & Coaching
- Social and Environmental Sustainability
- Infrastructure
- Legal
- Personnel & Administration
- Financial
The FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence is required for clubs to participate in the JD Cymru Premier 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 FIB Panel has decided on the following:
Awarded FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence for 2025/26 season (16 clubs)
- Aberystwyth Town
- Airbus UK Broughton
- Bala Town
- Barry Town United
- Briton Ferry Llansawel
- Caernarfon Town
- Cardiff Met University
- Carmarthen Town
- Colwyn Bay
- Connah’s Quay Nomads
- Flint Town United
- Haverfordwest County
- Llanelli Town
- Newtown
- Penybont
- The New Saints
Club Licensing Manager Stuart Williams stated ' There is always a sigh of relief with positive news from the Licensing Panel, the process over the last 10 years has needed dedication, hard work and ambition from all involved within the club.
I would like to thank the FAW, Local Authority, Stakeholders and club officials who have all played their part in the clubs development since the merger in 2009 and we continue to Invest in our Future to ensure the best possible infrastructure is in place for our members and the Community as a whole.
The hard work will not stop here and the club has a defined Development Strategy in place to take the next steps and to consildate our place as one of Wales' top clubs.'
Chairman Wyn Evans added 'I am absolutely delighted to receive our Tier 1 for the third year in succession, there is a phenomenal amount of work that must be done to achieve this licence and the work that goes unseen behind the scenes is significant. Our fantastic team off the pitch led by Stuart have again worked tirelessly and I would like to publicly thank them and our Board for another fantastic effort “
