Wales League Division 1

Wales League Division 1

Links
Wikipedia

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 (2023–24 Ardal NE season)
    • Ardal North West (2023–24 Ardal NW season)
  • Ardal Southern
    • Ardal South East (2023–24 Ardal SE season)
    • Ardal South West (2023–24 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 highly competitive and prestigious soccer tournament held in Great Britain. It is one of the top-tier leagues in Welsh football and showcases the best talent from various clubs across the country.

The tournament features a thrilling season-long competition where teams battle it out to secure the coveted title of champions. The league consists of a total of 16 teams, each vying for glory and aiming to secure promotion to higher divisions.

The Wales League Division 1 is known for its fast-paced and skillful style of play, with teams displaying their tactical prowess and technical abilities on the field. The matches are filled with intense rivalries, passionate fans, and electric atmospheres, making it a thrilling experience for both players and spectators alike.

Throughout the season, teams compete in a home and away format, playing a total of 30 matches. The league follows a points-based system, where teams earn three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss. The team with the highest number of points at the end of the season is crowned the champions and earns promotion to higher divisions.

The Wales League Division 1 serves as a stepping stone for aspiring footballers, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and attract attention from higher-level clubs. Many talented players have emerged from this league and gone on to have successful careers in professional football.

The tournament not only promotes the growth and development of football in Wales but also fosters a sense of community and unity among fans and players. It is a celebration of the nation's passion for the sport and a testament to the rich footballing heritage of Great Britain.

Overall, the Wales League Division 1 is a thrilling and competitive soccer tournament that showcases the best of Welsh football. With its exciting matches, talented players, and passionate fanbase, it continues to captivate audiences and contribute to the vibrant football culture in Great Britain.