Affordable Archive: Changes in the Welsh Premier

In July 2019 we looked at the restructuring of the game in Wales as the two feeder leagues into the Cymru Premier came under the control of the FAW.

I wrote at the time that the top league 'has consistently fared well on affordability in surveys such as the BBC's Price of Football' and I think that remains the case seven years on as the game in Wales prepares for an even bigger change in the upcoming, 2026/27 season.

The number of clubs in the top-flight has increased from 12 to 16 as part of an FAW push to increase interest, revenues and attendances, with the hope that almost every club will have something to play for come the end of the season, even if TNS are once again crowned champions, as the league will split into three tiers after 30 matches.

From a spectator point of view the big changes is a move to have matches played mostly on a Friday night, starting on 31 July with fixtures that may be of interest to anyone on holiday in North Wales as both Colwyn Bay and Llandudno have home games.

A Different View

 

A view across the cricket field at Sandygate towards the main stand at Hallam FC on Saturday afternoon.

Some watering of the football pitch was taking place ahead of Tuesday evening's friendly, against a Sheffield United XI, while Hallam will also be at home in the Extra Preliminary Round of the 2026/27 FA Cup following this week's draw.

Irlam FC will travel across the Pennines on the weekend of 8/9 August.

Training Day

I always think that open training sessions on the pitch at a club's main stadium, especially in pre-season and during the school summer holidays, are a really easy way of engaging with supporters and providing a low-budget activity for families.

Two such sessions spotted in the past week or so are at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane on Monday 27th July and at Aberdeen's Pittodrie on Tuesday 28th. Tickets for both are free but should be claimed online through the respective club websites.

New Beginnings

Writing about football at lower-league and grassroots level for a number of years means that you often see clubs come and go, rise and fall.

In August 2015 there was free admission for all at Throstle Nest as Farsley Celtic celebrated being able to re-take that name, after five years as Farsley AFC, formed in 2010 when the original club folded.

But the club ran into difficulties again, culminating in liquidation in December 2025 and the forming of a phoenix club, FC Farsley, who will enter the pyramid at Step 7 this coming season (the Yorkshire Amateur Football League), a lowly start but with games being played back at Throstle Nest (pitch problems in 2024/25 led to some 'home' matches being played as far away as Buxton) it means football is back in the village.

In a bid to rebuild connections with the local community, admission throughout the 26/27 campaign will be on a 'Pay What You Feel' basis and you may even see shareholder Adebayo Akinfenwa at a game!

To Wrexham And Beyond - Update

A few weeks back I wrote about the upcoming UEFA U19 Euros, to be held in North Wales and starting this coming Sunday (June 28), with Wrexham's Racecourse Ground hosting Wales' group stage matches and the final on Saturday 11 July.

Just over a week later and there is another good opportunity to catch a match at the world's oldest international football stadium.

While there has been plenty of focus in recent season on the men's rise through the EFL divisions, Wrexham AFC Women are competing in European competition for the first time this summer.

They host a Champions League first qualifying round group, alongside FC Pyunik, Riga FC and Glentoran.

Semi-final matches (Glentoran v Riga at 1pm, Wrexham v Pyunik at 7pm) take place on Wednesday 22 July then on Saturday 25th there is a third place play-off at 12pm and the final at 6pm.

Day tickets are available for both matchdays, priced at £15 for adults and £6 for under-18's.

More Summer Shorts

Cray for Today: Founded in 1860, Cray Wanderers have a long, rich history and welcome AFC Whyteleafe to Flamingo Park as co-habitants for the 2026/27 season. The two clubs kick-off pre-season with a friendly against each other on Saturday 4th July (3pm) for which admission is free.

Down at the Park (Avenue): More free football at Bradford (Park Avenue) on Monday 13th July when Sheffield FC are welcomed to the Horsfall Stadium for a pre-season friendly that kicks off at 7:30pm.

Gulls v Bluebirds: As Torquay United welcome Cardiff City U21s to Plainmoor on Saturday 25th July for a 12pm kick-off in pre-season. The hosts have made this a 'Pay What You Want' fixture with donations welcome to the club's Youth Department.

School's out: Half-price admission for a pre-season friendly between Guiseley AFC and Stocksbridge Park Steels on Friday 17th July (£5, £3 and free for U18s) and schools or charity organisations working with primary school children in the Leeds and Bradford areas can contact the club to get a batch of tickets to distribute.

Eye on the prize: And, if you are in Sheffield over the coming months then pop into the city's Millenium Gallery for the Football Art Prize 2026, which runs until 13 September and has some fabulous photos, drawings, video and more. Admission is free with donations welcome.

Summer Shorts

Free football (trip to Denmark required): Newly promoted to League One, Notts County head to Denmark in pre-season and their game against Randers FC on Tuesday 14th July, at 6pm, is free to watch for those Magpies who make the trip.

Shots for a pound: The pre-season friendly between Aldershot FC and Farnborough, scheduled for 3pm on 18th July, is Army Engagement Day at the EBB Stadium with admission just £1 which will also cover the planned fixture earlier in the day (11am) between the two club's Women's teams.

Up with the Larks: I'm always impressed when clubs manage to maintain not only an effective social media presence but also a good quality website, as I know how much work is needed from volunteers to do so. Larkfield & New Hythe FC of the SCEFL are a great example of this and all pre-season friendlies at the club are 'pay what you want' admission.

Livi-ng it up: Aiming to bounce back after relegation from the top-flight in Scotland, Livingston FC are offering free season tickets to all Primary 6 and 7 children in West Lothian for the 2026/27 season, which will also allow parents and guardians to join them in the Fanily Stand for £5 per game.

Hey there: Six home pre-season friendlies are scheduled at Heybridge Swifts, starting on Saturday 4th July, and all are free admission for spectators.

To Wrexham And Beyond

A great opportunity this summer to enjoy North Wales and watch some of the best young footballers in Europe as the UEFA U19 Euros is being hosted in Wrexham, Bangor, Caernarfon and Denbigh between 28 June and 11 July.

Hosts Wales are joined by seven other teams and will play their group games (against Spain, Germany and Denmark) at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, carrying on a fine tradition of the stadium having hosted international football since 1877. It will also be the venue for the final. 

The other group contains Croatia, Serbia, Italy and Ukraine.

Those to have graced this competition over the years include Harry Kane, Rodri and Kylian Mbappe, a winner with France in 2016.

Tickets for all matches up to the final cost a maximum of £10 adults and £5 for juniors (plus booking fees) with a full tournament guide available on the FAW website.