Welshpool-based Football Association of Wales (FAW) President Phil Pritchard has described the new-look domestic set-up as the ‘best thing to happen to Welsh football in a long time’.
Pritchard has been a lead architect for the revamped pyramid, with just 12 clubs now making up the Welsh Premier and the knock-on restructuring cascading all the way down to as far as the Montgomeryshire Amateur League Division Two.
It has been the most dramatic re-organisation of Welsh Football since the formation of its Premier League in 1991, but Pritchard believes the overhaul was exactly what the game needed.
“I truly believe that this is the best thing to happen to Welsh football in a long time,” said Pritchard, who is one year into his three-year tenure in Welsh football’s top post. “It was no secret that I was a strong supporter of reducing the top flight. It will take at least half a season to bed in but it will be worth it. For the clubs in the Super 12 it will mean there is strong opposition every week and for the supporters they will benefit from watching better games every week. It will also improve the feeder leagues as the competition is a lot stronger for promotion.”
This season has seen the creation of a second division for the Spar Mid Wales League, with six clubs from the amateur league stepping up, including Montgomery, Meifod, Llanfair and Four Crosses.
“This is a tremendous development for Mid Wales football,” he said. “By stepping up a level, those clubs not only benefit from a better standard but can also qualify for a share of 30,000 pounds towards ground improvements. It is a fresh challenge for the clubs and has created a lot of interest and excitement for the season.”
All the leagues kick off this weekend apart from the two Amateur Leagues which will get into gear on August 21.