38 clubs have applied for a Tier One licence to play in the Cymru Premier next season.
Barry Town United and Llantwit Major are among those who have applied to the FAW for the licence, which is required to play in the top flight of Welsh football.
Across the Cymru Leagues, all twelve Cymru Premier teams have applied, along with eleven from the Cymru South and fifteen from the Cymru North.
The licensing system - though controversial in some quarters - has played a critical role in helping to decide whether clubs secure or retain their place in the league.
Two years ago, Llantwit Major were crowned Cymru South champions - but their bid for promotion was rejected and a further appeal was turned down.
The FAW says it's encouraged clubs who may not be ready to obtain a Tier One licence to apply to gain an accurate picture of where future investment is needed and to help clubs develop plans for any future ambition of playing in the Cymru Premier.
Next season will be the last under the current 12-team format, before the league expands to 16 teams under a major shake-up announced last week.
The new look league will also see play-offs introduced to decide potential promotion for runners-up in the second tier leagues or relegation for top flight clubs.
The FAW told Bro Radio News that the Tier One licensing system would also continue for the 2026-27 season and beyond.
The deadline to apply was on Monday - with officials now set to carry out club audits during November and December, including visits to grounds and assessments of licensing documents.
Clubs applying for the licence will be judged on six key criteria - sporting, social and environmental sustainability, infrastructure, personnel & administrative, legal and financial.
All licencing documents must be completed by the end of March before an independent panel meets on 8th April 2025 to make its decsions.
Any clubs who fail to obtain the licence will be given ten days to appeal - with a final decision due on 20th April 2025.
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