Decision details

The Communities, Equality and Local Government Committee undertook an inquiry into the Welsh Premier League. The terms of reference for the inquiry were to look at issues around the Welsh Premier League (WPL) including:

• the extent to which the standards of football in the WPL have developed during the past 20 years;
• the competition format, looking at possible alternative models such as a move to a summer season;
• the development and progression of players, coaches and managers from the WPL to other levels of the game;
• how the WPL contributes towards player development and participation at lower levels, including issues of equality of opportunity;
• the WPL’s standing within the Welsh sporting landscape and its visibility in Welsh media outlets;
• the member clubs, their infrastructure and resources;
• how the FAW’s recent Strategic Plan 2012 will contribute towards strengthening the WPL, and how the WPL will contribute towards the Strategic Plan’s aims.

The Chair welcomed Peter Gomer and David Phenis from the WLGA. The Members questioned the witnesses.

The WLGA agreed to provide further information on the following:

-       3G pitches in particular their usage and how they are distributed between Local Authorities.

-       An evaluation report on the community hubs at Pontllanfraith and Bargeod.