A major revamp of the women’s domestic game in Wales will take place for the start of the 2021-22 season, with a new pyramid league structure established to better reflect playing standards, economic means, geographical location, facilities and club structure in the nation.

Tier One will remain a National League administered by the FAW, with the champions qualifying for the Uefa Women’s Champions. Uefa and FAW club licensing regulations introduced last season will help ensure a competitive national league of the highest standard, with all clubs working within the same framework.

The tier below the National League will be regionalised with new northern and southern leagues, which will be affiliated to the FAW. These Tier Two leagues will be administrated by independent management committees with increased support from the FAW.

As well as an overhaul to the top two tiers, a new U19s Development League will be introduced which will comprise a northern and southern league operated by the same independent management committees responsible for Tier Two. An U19 Development Team will be a mandatory condition of obtaining a licence to participate in Tier One.

Area associations will be responsible for operating the third and fourth tiers at the recreational level of the pyramid, with greater flexibility regarding rules and regulations to foster greater participation in the women’s game.

“By introducing set criteria and providing additional support to Tier Two leagues and clubs, it will provide a stronger platform for clubs to prepare to step into the Tier One and therefore create a more sustainable domestic pyramid and a more competitive national league,” said Lowri Roberts, the FAW’s head of womens’ and girls’ football.

“During the consultation period, it became very clear that there was a need to introduce a transitional step between U16s girls’ football and senior women’s football as the current structure was not supporting player retention.”