The Football Association of Wales has granted Cardiff City FC Women Tier 1 status as part of a major restructure of the women’s domestic game.
City will compete among eight Tier 1 sides in 2021/22, with the FAW set to announce the name and visual identity of the new pyramid structure and U19 leagues in August, ahead of the new campaign.
The FAW’s restructure 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.
Underlining our commitment to supporting the growth of women’s football in Wales, the Bluebirds presented a development plan to a panel of FAW, FAW Trust and FIFA experts who assessed clubs across seven key areas. Three of these were ‘core’, with double marks awarded for Sporting Performance (factoring in previous performance in the League), Financial Sustainability and Human Resources.
Whilst we are extremely proud to have attained Tier 1 status based on the factors above, the club sympathises with those teams outside of the top tier, particularly those who have competed against us in the WPWL in recent seasons and have potentially missed out due to off-field factors. We hope that the new structure will encourage and support progression within all clubs and welcome the prospect of crossing paths again in the future.
The FAW’s review has determined Tiers 1 and 2 for the 2021/22 season as follows:
Tier 1:
- Aberystwyth Town
- Barry Town United
- Cardiff City
- Cardiff Met University
- Pontypridd Town
- Port Talbot Town
- Swansea City
- The New Saints
Tier 2 North:
- Airbus UK Broughton
- Bethel
- Connah’s Quay Nomads
- Denbigh Town
- Llandudno
- Llanfair United
- Pwllheli
- Wrexham
Tier 2 South:
- Abergavenny
- Briton Ferry Llansawel
- Caldicot Town
- Cardiff Bluebelles
- Cascade YC
- Merthyr Town
- Talycopa
- Swansea University
We look forward to the new campaign and wish all clubs the very best of luck on this shared and continuing journey to further develop women’s football in Wales.