Following the conclusion of the JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South seasons, attention in the second tier turns to the UEFA Regions’ Cup play-offs over the next two weekends.
The first leg will take place at Trefelin’s Ynys Park on Saturday 2 May (KO 15:00), before the second leg at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium, home of Airbus UK Broughton, on Saturday 9 May (KO 15:00).
But what exactly is at stake? And who is involved? Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What is the UEFA Regions’ Cup?
The UEFA Regions’ Cup is a unique amateur tournament held every two years which features players who have never competed at any professional level. European associations select regional sides to compete against each other.
What is Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru?
The FAW is represented in the UEFA Regions’ Cup by Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru (Wales Regional Team), made up of players from the second tier and below of Welsh domestic football.
May’s play-offs will decide whether it is the North Wales team or the South Wales team who will represent Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru in the upcoming edition of the competition.
Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru have been drawn in a group with the RAT (Regional Amateur Teams) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and the Preliminary round winner (Armenia, Estonia or Lithuania) in the intermediate round, with matches to be played in Bosnia and Herzegovina in September.
The eight intermediate round group winners will qualify for the finals – to be held, in principle, in June or early July 2027 in one of the countries whose team qualifies.
What happened last time?
It was the South Wales side, led by Andy Hill, who represented Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru in 2025 after triumphing 4-1 over their North Wales opponents in the two-legged play-off.
The first leg finished 2-0 to Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru Y De at Denbigh Town’s Central Park thanks to goals from Cam Strinati and Alex Bonthron. Andy Hill’s side sealed the play-off victory at Trefelin’s Ynys Park with Liam Eason and Joe Lloyd netting to give them a two-goal lead in the second leg and a four-goal advantage on aggregate. A late consolation goal from Haci Ozlu wasn’t enough to see the North Wales side stage a dramatic comeback.
In the intermediate round, held in Serbia, Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru lost both their opening group matches but concluded with a 2-1 victory over North Macedonia’s RAT, to finish third in the group. Alex Bonthron scored in all three game.
Who are the key names to watch out for?
Nathan Leonard returns to take charge of the North Wales squad after leading his Newtown team to a fourth-place finish in the JD Cymru North, missing out on securing the side an instant return to the Cymru Premier.
No players from the JD Cymru North winners Llandudno and runners-up Airbus UK Broughton have been selected, with Holywell Town’s defender Danny Sullivan to be the only player chosen to have won promotion.
Leonard has put his faith in Jamie Hyne from his Newtown team to secure attacking returns after his 18-goal haul this season, while the manager has taken more favourably to his squad at previous club Guilsfield, selecting four Guils to represent the region.
In the other dugout, Trefelin boss Andy Hill takes charge of the South Wales squad for the second time off the back of winning promotion, guiding his club to the JD Cymru South title this season.
Liam Eason continued to impress in the second tier netting 19 league goals for Cambrian United this season earning his recall to the squad. He and Llantwit’s Jack Bevan will be the side’s biggest attacking threat in these play-offs alongside Cardiff Draconians’ Dan Bowen, who contributed to their stellar season with 12 goals.
Eason won’t be the only one returning to the fixture, with Hill selecting his fellow title winner Roan Piper, Cambrian duo Josh Allen and Cam Strinati, Noah Osborne and Jack Turner.
How can I watch the play-offs?
Ynys Park, home of Trefelin, hosts the first leg on Saturday 2 May (KO 15:00), with entry costing £5 for adults and £2 for concessions.
The same admission prices will apply for the second leg at Airbus UK Broughton’s Hollingsworth Group Stadium on Saturday 9 May (KO 15:00).
You will also be able to follow both matches on the Cymru Football app and JD Cymru Leagues social media platforms.
