Top flight football clubs have elite status reinstated

Football teams in the Cymru Premier and the Welsh Premier Women’s League have had their elite status reinstated – meaning they will be able to prepare to start playing again.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) confirmed the news after the governing body received confirmation from the National Sport Group (NSG).

In a statement, the FAW said: “Although the country remains at Alert Level 4 of the Welsh Government Control Plan, clubs in these leagues can prepare for the resumption of fixtures under the FAW’s strict Return to Play Covid-19 protocols.”

Following the announcement, Cascade Ladies YC, which is the only top flight football club based in Caerphilly County Borough, tweeted: “Great news! Get us back on that pitch!!”

The Penpedairheol-based club secured promotion to the top flight last year after the coronavirus pandemic brought a premature end to the team’s table-topping season.

However, Risca United, who secured promotion into the second tier of Welsh men’s football last season, will not yet be able to resume play.

The Cymru South – the league which Risca United play in – will not be able to resume until Wales downgrades its lockdown restrictions from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3.

Teams further down the divisions, including Trethomas Bluebirds, Aberbargoed Buds, Treowen Stars, Aber Valley and Caerphilly Athletic will have also been unable to play under current restrictions.