ABERYSTWYTH Town FC is busy preparing for the start of their new Cymru Premier campaign, after the league's kick-off date was set for 11 September.

The Football Association of Wales has received confirmation that the JD Cymru Premier has been granted elite athlete status by the Welsh Government, meaning that the new 2020/21 season can get underway in just a fortnight’s time.

Matches will initially take place without spectators at Park Avenue as Welsh Government keeps its cautious approach towards the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The FAW has been working closely with the Welsh Government, Sport Wales and the Cymru Premier on a return to play plan for the league, which will start its season on 11 September,” said an FAW spokesman.

“The FAW also welcomes the announcement by the Welsh Government that three upcoming sporting events will be trialled with a maximum of 100 spectators.“The FAW has submitted plans for the JD Cymru Premier to be included in future pilot programmes with larger crowds, should this trial period go well over the next three-week review period.

“The FAW notes that this will be dependent on the infection rates remaining low.”

There are currently no plans from the Welsh Government to change their guidelines for those leagues without elite athlete status. Therefore, for all clubs below the JD Cymru Premier, the FAW’s Return to Training – Phase 2 guidelines must still be followed and competitive football remains prohibited.

“The FAW will continue to work with Welsh Government, Sport Wales and the Welsh Sports Association to review its status,” confirmed the national governing body.

“Meanwhile, Cymru Premier clubs will follow the FAW Return to Play Regulations in order for the safe return of football in the league. The regulations have been approved by the FAW Board and they have a societal duty, to will help reduce the transmission rate of the virus.

“All 12 Clubs have recently undergone site visits with FAW representatives and the broadcaster, S4C, to ensure that the stadiums are compliant with social distancing measures, with ‘Red Zones’ created to reduce the number of people permitted in the same areas as the players.

“As part of the Return to Play Regulations, all players, technical staff, club officials, match officials and administrators who will require access to the red zone of the stadium, will have to undergo daily medical assessments and a temperature test upon arrival at the stadium.

“The FAW welcomes the co-operation of the 12 clubs and the new measures in place have helped to ensure that the Cymru Premier will start again next month.”

• Meanwhile Aberystwyth Town FC was delighted to confirm that its 3G surface at the Aberystwyth University Park Avenue Stadium passed its FIFA pitch inspection last Friday, and has once again been certified to FIFA Quality Pro status, the highest rating available for grounds.

“This means that the 3G pitch, available for hire for Community Clubs and Teams throughout Ceredigion, subject to Coronavirus restrictions being lifted, has reached the status to host UEFA Champions League/Europa League Qualifiers,” said an ATFC spokesman.

“The Club would like to thank Nathan Perkins for his hard work, and all other volunteers involved, whose tireless work allowed Aberystwyth Town FC to earn this prestigious quality mark.”