THE Football Association of Wales have confirmed plans for the start of the new second-tier campaign after it was granted ‘elite athlete’ status.

Sport Wales confirmed that JD Cymru North and South clubs will be granted permission to begin their respective campaigns following a successful application from the governing body, with the FAW confirming that competitive action will formally resume in the New Year.

Following a National League Board meeting, it was revealed that both leagues would play a shortened 15-match season scheduled to start in 2021.

Each club will play each other once, with the clubs scheduled to play eight home matches to be determined by a random draw.

In line with the FAW Pyramid Regulations, promotion and relegation will take place as normal.

The promotion and relegation scenario will be a welcome boost for clubs such as Colwyn Bay, Bangor City, Prestatyn Town and Airbus UK Broughton, who are all looking to book their place in the top-flight next season.

Aside from Prestatyn and Airbus, who both received first-round byes, second-tier clubs will take the field for the first time in a competitive setting since March for the Nathaniel MG Cup this weekend.