A teenage football fan from New Quay has gathered over 2,000 signatures on a petition to allow football to resume in Wales.

Callum Howen, 17, launched the petition on 29 August and has already gathered 2,002 signatures.

Callum is urging the Welsh Government and the Football Association of Wales to allow Welsh domestic football clubs to play friendlies and allow supporters to attend matches.

“As of the day I am writing this (11 September) only the Cymru Premier (the top division) has been allowed to resume in Wales, albeit behind closed doors,” Callum explained.

“As stated on the petition information, clubs in tier 6 and below in England are now permitted to allow crowds of up to 300 into matches, which is roughly a normal crowd for a Cymru Premier side anyway.

“Last season only Caernarfon Town averaged an attendance of more than 500 people.

“As well, every single football club in in Wales below the top flight has been told absolutely nothing as to when we can even start playing friendlies again, which in my eyes and many others is completely shambolic and shows poor communication from the powers above.”

Callum, who currently attends Coleg Ceredigion in Cardigan, supports Wolverhampton Wanderers but also follows Aberystwyth Town, having followed them around the country and into England to watch them play.

“Football for a lot of people is the biggest thing in their lives, I know it’s mine,” Callum added.

“Last season I started helping out at Penrhyncoch FC as a media officer, and I’m still there to this day. I also do a bit of coaching and I’ve just started helping out with the youth team at my town side New Quay FC.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “Professional and elite sportspeople have been allowed to return to play with strict protocols in place.

“We are considering allowing limited spectators at some test events over the next few weeks but only if conditions allow.”

The Football Association of Wales said it was aware of the petition but could not make a comment.

To see Callum’s petition, please go to https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/244147.