The new Welsh football season gets underway this weekend - with Llantwit Major back under familiar management ahead of their league cup opener.

After three years away from Windmill Lane, Karl Lewis is back in charge following the departure of Ben Stait in April.

Lewis is arguably the most successful manager in the club's 63 year history - having guided Llantwit to the Cymru South title in the 2021-22 season.

It was the third time Lewis had guided the club to league silverware, having clinched back-to-back promotions in the old Welsh Football League.

Lewis' return to Llantwit comes at a crucial moment - with the Cymru Premier preparing to expand to 16 teams next year and no fewer than three promotion spots up for grabs in the Cymru South.

Work has been taking place throughout the close season to improve the club's facilities, helped by a £20,000 grant from the Cymru Football Foundation for new pitch maintenance equipment.

But Llantwit's first competitive test comes this Saturday when they entertain Afan Lido in the first round of the Nathaniel MG Cup.

The winners will face either Carmarthen Town or wildcard entries Swansea City, who are fielding their under 21 squad, on the first weekend of August.

The summer transfer window has so far yielded the return of at least two old faces, namely Cameron Gauci and Cian Goldsworthy - along with new arrivals Kane Draper (Cwmamman United), Jack Bevan (Trefelin BGC), Arjen Matthews, Dan Roderick (both from Pontyclun) and Nathan Jones (Goytre United).

Draper, in particular, will be aiming to fill the void left by the retirement of veteran keeper Jack Lansdown.

The league campaign begins in earnest on Saturday 26th July with Llantwit at home to Aberystwyth Town, who will be adapting to life in the second tier after 33 years in the Welsh top flight.

JD Cymru South 2025-26 fixtures - Llantwit Major
Saturday 26th July: Aberystwyth Town (H) - 2.30pm ko at Windmill Lane
Friday 8th August: Ammanford (A) - 7.30pm ko at The Rec
Saturday 16th August: Carmarthen Town (H) - 2.30pm ko at Windmill Lane
Friday 22nd August: Cambrian United (A) - 7.30pm ko at King George's New Field
Monday 25th August: Trefelin (A) - 2.30pm ko at Ynys Park
Saturday 6th September: Trethomas Bluebirds (H) - 2.30pm ko at Windmill Lane
Friday 12th September: Caerau Ely (A) - 7.30pm ko at Cwrt-yr-Ala
Saturday 27th September: Cardiff Draconians (H) - 2.30pm ko at Windmill Lane
Saturday 4th October: Baglan Dragons (A) - 2.30pm ko at Evans Bevan Playing Field
Saturday 11th October: Pontypridd United (H) - 2.30pm ko at Windmill Lane
Saturday 25th October: Ynyshir Albions (H) - 2.30pm ko at Windmill Lane
Saturday 1st November: Treowen Stars (A) - 2pm ko at Bush Park
Saturday 8th November: Newport City (H) - 2pm ko at Windmill Lane
Friday 14th November: Cwmbran Celtic (A) - 7.30pm ko at Celtic Park
Saturday 29th November: Afan Lido (H) - 2pm ko at Windmill Lane
Friday 5th December: Trethomas Bluebirds (A) - 7.30pm ko at CCB Centre
Friday 26th December: Cardiff Draconians (A) - 2pm ko at Lydstep Park
Thursday 1st January 2026: Baglan Dragons (H) - 2pm ko at Windmill Lane
Saturday 10th January 2026: Ynyshir Albions (A) - 2pm ko at The Oval
Saturday 24th January 2026: Treowen Stars (H) - 2pm ko at Windmill Lane
Friday 30th January 2026: Carmarthen Town (A) - 7.30pm ko at Richmond Park
Saturday 14th February 2026: Cwmbran Celtic (H) - 2pm ko at Windmill Lane
Friday 20th February 2026: Newport City (A) - 7.30pm ko at Newport Stadium
Sunday 1st March 2026: Trefelin (H) - 2pm ko at Windmill Lane
Friday 6th March 2026: Pontypridd United (A) - 7.30pm ko at USW Sports Park
Saturday 14th March 2026: Ammanford (H) - 2pm ko at Windmill Lane
Friday 20th March 2026: Afan Lido (A) - 7.30pm ko at the Marston Stadium
Saturday 28th March 2026: Caerau Ely (H) - 2pm ko at Windmill Lane
Saturday 4th April 2026: Aberystwyth Town (A) - 2.30pm ko at Park Avenue
Saturday 18th April 2026: Cambrian United (H) - 12.30pm ko at Windmill Lane
N.B. All fixtures and timings subject to change.

Llantwit have also been drawn away to face Trethomas Bluebirds in the first round of the Welsh Blood Service Cup, being played on the last weekend of August.

A change in format for this season's competition will see the first three rounds being played on a regional basis - North and South - before it becomes an open national draw from the semi finals onward.