Llanelli Town AFC secure top-tier FAW licence despite relegation battle
The club announced the achievement on social media, describing it as a reflection of “hard work, dedication, and commitment” from people across the organisation. It comes during an extremely difficult season on the pitch, with Llanelli currently rooted to the bottom of the Cymru Premier’s Play-Off Conference following a torrid campaign.
The figures make grim reading for supporters. In their 22 regular season matches the club won just twice, drew two and lost 18 — scoring only 12 goals while conceding 59, leaving them adrift at the foot of the table on 8 points. That record placed them 13 points behind 11th-placed Flint Town United.
Their manager Lee John was sacked in January with the club bottom of the table, with Terry Boyle brought in to try to arrest the slide. But results have continued to go against the Reds. Their most recent league outing ended in a 5-0 home defeat to Bala Town, and their next fixture is an away trip to Haverfordwest County on 18 April.
With survival in the top flight looking all but mathematically impossible, Wikipedia’s summary of the 2025-26 season already lists Llanelli Town as relegated. The focus now turns firmly to bouncing back.
The FAW’s licensing system assesses clubs against a wide range of criteria covering ground facilities, safeguarding, financial management, youth development and governance. Holding a Tier 1 licence means a club is certified as meeting all the standards required to operate at Welsh football’s top level.
Crucially, the award of next season’s licence means Llanelli have satisfied those requirements regardless of how this season ends. The last time the club were relegated from the top flight, in 2018-19, they did so without a Tier 1 licence — making an immediate return impossible. This time it is a very different picture.
The announcement signals that despite the struggles on the pitch, the club is being run properly behind the scenes and is already planning for a return to the Cymru Premier. That off-field stability has been a consistent theme in recent years.
The club became the first in Wales to launch a fan investment campaign on Republic Europe — the platform formerly known as Seedrs — inviting supporters and investors to back the club’s ambitions both on and off the pitch. Investment was earmarked for redevelopment of the historic Stebonheath Park and for building stronger youth pathways.
The club has previously spoken of its ambition to return to European competition. Securing the governance and infrastructure standards required to operate at Cymru Premier level is a key step in making that possible.
Their return to the top flight this season — as Cymru South champions — was itself a significant milestone after six years in the lower divisions. It was Llanelli’s first season back in Welsh football’s top tier since 2018-19.
The hope among supporters will be that the groundwork being laid off the pitch means that absence from the Cymru Premier this time around will be a short one.
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Llanelli Town AFC becomes first Welsh club to launch fan investment campaign on Republic Europe
The club’s ambitions on and off the pitch — and how they’re funding the next chapter.
Llanelli Town AFC becomes the first Welsh football club to launch a fan investment campaign on Republic Europe, aiming to redevelop Stebonheath Park and secure long-term sustainability.
LLANELLI: Teen star James Lester gets shock international call-up
James Lester, a promising young talent, has joined the squad for a training camp ahead of a friendly match against Bolivia, the club announced.
The exciting news was shared by Llanelli Town AFC, who expressed immense pride in their rising star.
Lester linked up with the national team this morning at the Rannie Ramjohn Stadium.
The squad is scheduled to travel to Bolivia on Thursday for the highly anticipated match.
The friendly fixture against Bolivia will take place on Sunday, March 25, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
This call-up marks a fantastic achievement for the young defender, according to the club.
A spokesperson for Llanelli Town AFC said: “This is a fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition for James after his consistent performances in the Cymru Premier this season. His call-up is a testament to the hard work and dedication he puts into every aspect of his game.
“Everyone at Llanelli Town AFC is incredibly proud and wishes James the very best for this opportunity — and hopefully his first international cap. Safe travels and good luck, James!”
Llanelli Town AFC highlighted that his selection is a testament to the hard work and dedication he puts into every aspect of his game.
Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of James and extends their best wishes for this significant opportunity.
The club is hopeful that this call-up will lead to Lester earning his first international cap.
They wished him safe travels and good luck as he embarks on this international adventure.
Llanelli Town AFC also extended a big thank you to Saltire Sports, TTFA Football, and Brent Sancho for their support and collaboration over recent months.
#cymruPremier #football #internationalCallUp #jamesLester #Llanelli #LlanelliTownAFC #trinidadTobago
Mae Clwb Pêl-droed Tref Caernarfon yn paratoi at “gyfnod newydd” yn hanes y Cofis, wrth drawsnewid eu stadiwm. Mae’r clwb yn chwarae yn Stadiwm Go Goodwin yn Llandudno ar hyn o bryd, tra bod cae’r Oval yn cael ei ailwampio er mwyn bodloni safonau UEFA ar gyfer Pencampwriaeth Ewrop dan 19 oed haf nesaf.
RE: https://toot.wales/@rhysw/115865789595288256
Mae'r duwiau'n gwenu arnaf, achos mae'r gwlau yn cyrraedd ar ddiwrnod gwahanol sy'n golygu gallaf fynd i'r gogledd + mae rhestr gemau wedi'r hollt yn y #CymruPremier newydd eu cyhoeddi gyda'r Bae yn chwarae adre'r diwrnod hwnnw hefyd - canlyniad!
Penybont seeks to upgrade facilities for players and supporters #Bridgend #CymruPremier
https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2025/11/penybont-seeks-to-upgrade-facilities-for-players-and-supporters/
Tonight's (30th Dec) results in the #CymruPremier 
Newtown 6-1 Aberystwyth Town
Bala Town 3-0 Caernarfon Town
Cardiff Met 0-0 Penybont
Tonight's results in the #CymruPremier:
Cardiff Met 2-0 Haverfordwest County
Newtown 4-2 Pontypridd United
Rhys
Kit Peters
Owen Donovan
Athro Rob
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