Teams
Goytre United
Cambrian United
Penybont
Ton Pentre
Goytre
Taffs Well
Afan Lido
Haverfordwest County
Monmouth Town
Caerau Ely
Briton Ferry
Cwmbran Celtic
Undy Athletic
Port Talbot
Cwmamman United
Aberdare Town
Risca United
Barry Town
Garden Village AFC
Cardiff MU
Pontardawe Town
Ammanford AFC
Caldicot Town
Llanelli Town
Pontypridd Utd
Llantwit Major
Wikipedia - Ardal Leagues
The Ardal Leagues are a football league in Wales. The word "ardal" translates as "district" in English, with Wales split into four regions at this level. They have clubs with amateur/semi-professional status and sit at the third level of the Welsh football league system. The first year of their operation would have been 2020–21 but the 2020–21 Ardal North East season, 2020–21 Ardal North West season, 2020–21 Ardal South East season and 2020–21 Ardal South West season were all cancelled. The inaugural season was moved to 2021–22. The creation of the leagues mark the first time the Football Association of Wales owns and is administering tier 3 of the Welsh league system. These changes follow from a review of the Welsh football pyramid. To be eligible clubs need to meet the criteria for FAW tier 3 certification.
The league is split into two leagues, covering North and South Wales. Both Northern and Southern leagues have two regionally-based sections of sixteen clubs each:
- Ardal Northern
- Ardal North East (2024–25 Ardal NE season)
- Ardal North West (2024–25 Ardal NW season)
- Ardal Southern
- Ardal South East (2024–25 Ardal SE season)
- Ardal South West (2024–25 Ardal SW season)
The winners of each league are promoted to either the Cymru North or the Cymru South as long as they meet the FAW's tier 2 certification criteria. Subject to also meeting these criteria, the four runners-up clubs enter play-off matches with two of the clubs also gaining promotion (one from the north and one from the south).
The Ardal Leagues structure replaced the former tier 3 leagues: Welsh Football League Division One, Mid Wales Football League Division One, Welsh Alliance League Division One and the Welsh National League Premier Division, leagues based in South Wales, Mid Wales, North West Wales and North East Wales respectively.
Relegation from the Ardal Leagues is to six local tier 4 leagues, with three clubs relegated from each of the tier 3 leagues at the end of the season. The tier 4 leagues are run by each of the Area Associations of Welsh football, the West Wales Football Association, the South Wales Football Association, the Gwent County Football Association, the Central Wales Football Association, the North East Wales Football Association and the North Wales Coast Football Association.
The Wales League Division 1 is a prestigious football tournament that showcases the best of Welsh football talent. As part of the Welsh football league system, this competition serves as a vital platform for clubs across Wales to compete at a high level, develop local talent, and strive for promotion to the higher tiers of the league system.
**Format and Structure**
The tournament typically features a diverse array of clubs, ranging from established teams with rich histories to ambitious up-and-coming sides. The league operates on a promotion and relegation system, with the top teams earning the opportunity to ascend to the Cymru Premier, while the lower-performing teams face the risk of dropping to lower divisions.
Matches are held throughout the season, usually from August to April, with each team playing home and away fixtures against their rivals. The league's competitive nature ensures that every match is crucial, as teams vie for points to secure their position in the standings.
**Community and Culture**
The Wales League Division 1 is not just about the competition; it is deeply rooted in the local communities it represents. Clubs often have passionate fan bases that support their teams through thick and thin, creating an electric atmosphere at matches. The tournament also plays a significant role in promoting grassroots football, encouraging youth participation, and fostering a love for the sport across Wales.
**Conclusion**
The Wales League Division 1 is more than just a soccer tournament; it is a celebration of Welsh football culture, community spirit, and sporting excellence. Whether you are a player, a fan, or a supporter of local clubs, the league offers an exciting and engaging experience that highlights the passion and talent of Welsh football.