Welsh Football Clubs Face Licensing Decisions for 2026/27 Season

Key facts

• FAW Men’s & Women’s Tier 2 First Instance Body met on May 5.
• 65 men's clubs applied for Tier 2 licences; 57 were successful.
• 26 women's clubs applied for Tier 2 licences; 20 were successful.
• Tier 2 licences are mandatory for participation in JD Cymru North, Cymru South, Genero Adran North & Adran South in 2026/27.
• Clubs refused a licence have 10 days to appeal.
• Appeals body will meet on May 19, 2026.
• Red Wall membership for 2026-2028 is now open.
• Membership offers priority access to Cymru national team matches.

Football Association of Wales Assesses Club Licensing

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) Men’s and Women’s Tier 2 First Instance Body convened on May 5 to evaluate licensing applications for the 2026/27 season. This crucial assessment determines which clubs will be eligible to compete in the JD Cymru North, Cymru South, Genero Adran North, and Adran South leagues. The club licensing system is designed to foster continuous improvement and development within Welsh football, providing a transparent framework for clubs to demonstrate adherence to quality standards. Successful attainment of a Tier 2 licence is a prerequisite for participation in these senior leagues during the specified season. Clubs that did not meet the criteria have a limited window to lodge an appeal, with the designated appeals body scheduled to convene on May 19, 2026. The outcomes of these appeals will further shape the landscape of Welsh football for the upcoming season.

Men's Tier 2 Licence Applications

A total of 65 clubs submitted applications for the men's Tier 2 certification. Of these, 57 were deemed successful, meeting the required standards for the 2026/27 season. These successful applications include 31 clubs currently competing in the JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South leagues. An additional 26 clubs, currently operating in Tier 3, also secured their Tier 2 licences, signalling their potential elevation. For clubs like Porthmadog, who finished second in Ardal North West, the Tier 2 licence is a vital step towards potential promotion. They are set to compete in a play-off for a Cymru North place, facing either Knighton Town or Dolgellau AA, both of whom have successfully obtained their Tier 2 licences while vying for second spot in Ardal North East. Notably, Bow Street, currently second in ANE, did not apply for a Tier 2 licence.

Women's Tier 2 Licence Applications

In the women's category, 26 clubs applied for Tier 2 certification. Twenty of these applications were successful, paving the way for their participation in the Genero Adran North and Adran South leagues. This successful cohort includes 13 clubs currently playing in the Genero Adran North and Adran South leagues. Seven clubs from Tier 3 also achieved their Tier 2 licences, indicating a growing ambition and development within the women's game. The FAW's commitment to the women's game is underscored by the requirement for this licence, ensuring a baseline of quality and infrastructure for clubs aspiring to compete at the highest levels within Wales.

Red Wall Membership Opens for 2026-2028

Concurrently with the licensing decisions, the FAW has opened membership for 'The Red Wall,' the official fan group, for the 2026-2028 period. This membership drive will remain active until the conclusion of the UEFA EURO 2028 finals. Membership offers a range of benefits designed to enhance the fan experience. These include priority access to tickets for Cymru Men's national team home matches and exclusive access to campaign tickets. Supporters will also receive discounted 'early bird' tickets for Cymru Women's matches, encompassing friendlies and potential play-off fixtures. Members will receive an exclusive pack, a digital membership card, and partner discounts. A portion of each membership fee, specifically £2, will be reinvested into enhancing the matchday atmosphere through supporter-led initiatives such as TIFOs and flags, as well as supporting the PAWB Fund to ensure broader access to match tickets.

Implications for Welsh Football

The FAW's rigorous licensing process signifies a strategic effort to elevate the standards across its domestic leagues. By mandating Tier 2 licences, the association aims to ensure that clubs possess the necessary infrastructure, financial stability, and operational capacity to compete effectively. This approach not only benefits the participating clubs but also contributes to the overall health and professionalism of Welsh football. The transparency of the system allows stakeholders, including fans and sponsors, to have confidence in the quality and integrity of the leagues. The successful appeals process provides a crucial safety net, offering clubs a second chance to meet the required benchmarks. However, the strict timelines underscore the importance of thorough preparation and adherence to the established criteria.

Fan Engagement and Future Prospects

The launch of the Red Wall membership for the 2026-2028 cycle highlights the FAW's focus on cultivating a strong and engaged fanbase. The direct financial contribution from membership fees towards fan initiatives demonstrates a commitment to empowering supporters and enriching the matchday environment. This dual approach—strengthening club infrastructure through licensing and fostering fan loyalty through membership benefits—positions Welsh football for sustained growth. The success of these initiatives will be critical as the nation looks towards future qualification campaigns, including UEFA EURO 2028. As clubs await the outcomes of their licensing appeals, and fans secure their membership, the FAW continues to build a more robust and vibrant footballing ecosystem in Wales.

The bottom line

• 57 out of 65 men's clubs and 20 out of 26 women's clubs successfully obtained Tier 2 licences for the 2026/27 season.
• Clubs failing to secure a Tier 2 licence must appeal by May 12, 2026, with appeals heard on May 19.
• The Tier 2 licence is a mandatory requirement for clubs competing in the JD Cymru North, Cymru South, Genero Adran North, and Adran South leagues.
• The FAW's club licensing system aims to drive continuous improvement and development in Welsh football.
• Red Wall membership for 2026-2028 is now open, offering priority ticket access and other benefits to fans.
• A portion of membership fees will fund supporter-led initiatives and ensure broader access to match tickets.