THERE could be some good news incoming regarding clubs in Tier 2 finally getting the season underway.

Newsquest North Wales Sport understands that the Football Association of Wales are in the process of applying to Sport Wales in their pursuit of getting JD Cymru North and South clubs ‘elite athlete’ status so their respective campaigns can begin after months of frustration.

This would be a significant boost for clubs who are finding life difficult due to COVID-19 restrictions, both in terms of player departures and from a financial perspective.

The application process normally takes between 1-2 weeks, and given the needed for a thorough series of friendly fixtures, a January start is now a realistic option.

According to multiple sources, league officials are still planning for a full season providing no additional measures are implemented by the Welsh Government.

This includes playing twice a week until the campaign comes to a successful conclusion, which would probably indicate promotion would be granted in this eventuality.

The FAW’s decision to apply comes after Sport Wales notifying the governing body of their plans to introduce a new stage of elite athletic status to move things in a positive direction.

Only the JD Cymru Premier has seen any competitive action since the previous season was brought to a premature halt earlier this year.

There is still no news as to when anything below the top two tiers will start, which continues to be a significant concern to the overall future of grassroots football in Wales.

The Ardal Northern League have already announced their intention to play a substantially reduced campaign when they get the green light, with the NWCFA cancelling cup competitions to fully focus on league matters.