THE New Saints have been fast tracked to the top flight of the Welsh women's football pyramid.

The Football Association of Wales confirmed the teams in Tier 1 and Tier 2 as part of a major re-structure of the women’s domestic game.

TNS are joined by Barry Town United and Pontypridd Town in being elevated to the top tier with Cascade, Abergavenny Town and Briton Ferry Llansawel demoted.

The new pyramid structure includes eight teams in Tier 1 and the introduction of a new regional Tier 2 league in the north and south, also with eight in each league and a new U19s league in north and south Wales.

To determine which clubs would take their place in these new leagues, the FAW oversaw an open application process that involved an initial licence award before clubs presented their development plan to a panel of FAW, FAW Trust and FIFA experts.

The re-structure was implemented following a full review of the pyramid in 2020, which included consultation with clubs, players, leagues and officials at all levels.

The outcome highlighted key changes required in the top two tiers of the pyramid whilst also addressing the significant gap between U16s and senior football.

The shake-up has not come without controversy with Abergavenny demoted despite ending fourth last season while Cyncoed have moved from Cardiff to Pontypridd to retain their top flight status.

TNS' place in the league has been particularly controversial given the club is newly formed and yet to play a competitive match.

However FAW top brass insisted the restructure was for the best for Welsh football.

Lowri Roberts, FAW’s Head of Women’s Football, said: “It’s been inspiring to see the level of work clubs have put into their application.

"We’ve seen a real shift in mindset from the clubs in how they are developing elite environments for players and how they are building for a sustainable future.

“Through implementing an open application process for entry into the new leagues, a club’s place was not solely down to sporting merit but also robust club structures.

"It has made club's review their entire structure, playing pathways and the provision they provide players. As a result, all clubs will be collectively striving to continuously improve standards in a competitive environment.”

Andrew Howard, FAW Head of Competitions, added: “Throughout this process we have seen clubs securing significant investment into their women’s programmes and strong commitments in terms of resources being made available within the clubs, from appointing full time staff to long term partnership agreements.

"Clubs should be very proud of what they have achieved off the field over the last year and we look forward to this exciting new chapter for women’s domestic football in Wales.”

WPWL Club Representative on FAW Council, Gail Powell, said: “The new structure will have a major impact on development and sustainability- we are looking forward to the new season in 2021/22 with a new look Tier 1, Tier 2 and U19s divisions.”

Following this thorough review, Tiers 1 and 2 were determined as follows:

Tier 1:

• Aberystwyth Town

• Barry Town United

• Cardiff City

• Cardiff Met University

• Pontypridd Town

• Port Talbot Town

• Swansea City

• The New Saints

Tier 2 North:

• Airbus UK Broughton

• Bethel

• Connah’s Quay Nomads

• Denbigh Town

• Llandudno

• Llanfair United

• Pwllheli

• Wrexham

Tier 2 South:

• Abergavenny

• Briton Ferry Llansawel

• Caldicot Town

• Cardiff Bluebelles

• Cascade YC

• Merthyr Town

• Talycopa

• Swansea University