Friday night football, the introduction of VAR and improved standards on and off the pitch were introduced by the Football Association of Wales this week, as a bold future for the domestic game was revealed.

The Football Association of Wales held two identical events, at The New Plaza in Port Talbot on Monday 22 April and at The Stiwt in Rhosllannerchrugog on Tuesday 23 April to launch a far-reaching set of plans as part of the innovative JD Cymru Premier strategy.

 Each event began with the premiere of the RedWall+ documentary, The League of Wales, which explored the 32 year history of league up until the present day.

Former MK Dons man Jack Sharp, then told each audience for the first time about the plans for the future of the top league in Wales.

Sharp is the man who will be driving the commercial and strategic direction of the JD Cymru Premier tier.  He is responsible for the development and delivery of strategies to ensure the wider pyramid reaches its full potential as the pinnacle of domestic football in Wales.

Sharp wasted no time in unveiling the measures.  Exciting plans included a new league structure, long-term development plans for clubs and enhanced opportunities for young players.  The league would hope to rub shoulders on the European stage and improve relationships with Wales four EFL clubs.  Engagement with fans would be boosted. More local derbies would add colour and interest.

But the headlines stole the show, as news of a gradual shift to Friday Night football heralded a cultural shift in the Welsh soccer landscape. The  new arrangements would offer fans a vibrant matchday experience.

We would also see VAR across the top tier; though not the type of hairline decisions that broke Coventry hearts recently. Sharp’s “blue sky thinking” would overcome the woes of “Sky Blue Sinking” as VAR Light would rule only on clear & obvious errors. No need to fret too much about the  length of Brad Young’s toenails as he grabs a late winner for TNS then.

A significant investment of €860,000 will be allocated to elevate the on-field product, including professional contracts for players, a review of the loan system, greater contact time with players, the introduction of VAR Light, and enhanced support programmes for clubs in European competitions.

€1 million will be dedicated to improving club facilities, with a focus on enhancing matchday
experiences and stadium image.

Efforts to boost commercial partnerships and revenue streams will be prioritized, aiming to secure centralized purchasing and increase broadcasting income.

The FAW would also stand alongside clubs in encouraging sound internal control environments, robust administrative practices and accountable lines of recruitment and selection. Governance amongst the Goals. The future starts here, as Sharp laid out a direction of travel that would rank Wales alongside comparable domestic set-ups.

By investing in infrastructure, community engagement, and brand development, the aim is to elevate the Cymru
Premier into a thriving league that resonates locally and competes globally.

DAVID COLLINS

WELSH FOOTBALL CORRESPONDENT

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