TEAMS operating at JD Cymru Premier level are set to get their new season underway next month.

The Football Association of Wales confirmed that the top-flight was granted elite athletic status by the Welsh Government, meaning their campaign can officially begin on Friday, September 11.

Matches will initially take place without spectators as Welsh Government continues its cautious approach towards the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three upcoming sporting events will be trailed with a maximum of 100 spectators in the coming weeks. The governing body has already submitted plans for the JD Cymru Premier to be included in future pilot programmes with larger crowds if the initial three-week trial “goes well”.

An FAW spokesman, said: “There are currently no plans from the Welsh Government to change their guidelines for those leagues without elite athlete status.

“Therefore, for all clubs below the JD Cymru Premier, the FAW’s Return to Training – Phase 2 guidelines must still be followed and competitive football is currently prohibited.

“The FAW will continue to work with Welsh Government, Sport Wales and the Welsh Sports Association to review this status.”

Each club plying their trade in the JD Cymru Premier were recently visited by FAW representatives and broadcasting teams from S4C to ensure that the stadiums are compliant with social distancing measures.

As part of the Return to Play Regulations, all players, technical staff, club officials, match officials and administrators who will require access to a special “red zone” of the stadium, will have to undergo daily medical assessments and a temperature test upon arrival.