Paul Ragan I Chairman
21 Apr 2022
It gives me great pleasure to confirm that Pontypridd Town AFC will play in the top tier of Welsh football for the 2022/23 season for the first time in the club’s history, after confirmation was received that the FAW Appeals Panel had approved our license application.
This is fantastic news, and a true credit to all the hard work and dedication of everyone involved at Pontypridd Town AFC - there is little doubt we are a club going places!
The biggest issue behind the appeal process was one of ground enhancements, and the challenges to comply with the FAW’s requirements to meet safely the 1,500 required capacity to house top tier football. A further requirement was that TV camera positions be improved for next seasons games to be aired on S4C Sgorio. I’m pleased to say we complied with both these requirements.
Looking ahead, the club now faces an extremely busy period during the off season to complete all the necessary improvements no later than 31st July to ensure an amazing JD Cymru Welsh Premier League game experience at our home ground USW Sport Park, Treforest Industrial Estate, Pontypridd is experienced by all.
Being a realist, I think it’s fair to say that the efforts in getting to Tier 1, will not compare with the investment and hard work necessary to remain there. There is a big gap between Tier 1 and 2, and this was evidenced last season when we lost both 5-0 to Bala Town and 7-1 to Barry Town in cup competitions. Hence, there will be much activity both off and, on the field, as we prepare for life at this level, which doesn’t simply mean strengthening our playing squad and backroom staff, but in fact improving all aspects of the day-today management of our club.
The news today may be about the Men’s First Team, but we should remember we have an amazing base of volunteers throughout the club including a thriving grassroots section from U5 to U13’s and a fast-growing Academy from U8 to U16’’. It’s this structure which provides the ideal platform for aspiring young male and female players to become professional footballers one day, and our Premier Men and Premier Women’s teams provide the perfect platform for this.
As a final point, our club is about community, and the more involvement the stronger we become. Therefore, if anyone is interested in getting involved with Pontypridd Town AFC, whether as a player, coach, volunteer or a local business partner who wishes to support the growth of our club in bringing top tier football to Pontypridd, then please visit our website www.pontypriddtownafc.co.uk to contact us. We very much look forward to welcoming you to our football family.
This truly is a great day in the club’s history so today we celebrate, tomorrow the exciting work begins!