Welsh Championship. Second Division
The Second Division of the Welsh Championship, often referred to as Cymru Premier Division 2 or JD Cymru North/South, is a key tier in Welsh football's second level. It features ambitious clubs from across Wales vying for promotion to the elite Cymru Premier. This league nurtures emerging talents and bolsters the nation's football infrastructure, with matches on intimate grounds backed by passionate local crowds.
History and foundation
Established in the 1990s, it evolved from regional setups into the modern Cymru North and South post-2008 reforms. Previously the Welsh Football League Division Two, clubs like The New Saints and Connah's Quay started here before top-flight dominance. Highlights include Holywell Town's 2015 Welsh Cup final run and the league's resilience during the 2020 COVID pause.
Tournament format
Since 2020/21, split into Cymru North and South (16 teams each). Each plays 30 matches home-and-away. Top teams from each division contest playoffs for two Cymru Premier spots; bottom sides face relegation playoffs to tier three. Season runs August to May with a winter break.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game: 3.2, favoring end-to-end action. Top scorers: Chris Evans (35 goals, Holywell 2018/19), Jamie Grieve (Mold). Standouts: Lee Mason (ex-player/coach), Eliot Levitt (Airbus to Man Utd academy). Clubs like Caersws FC feed U21 Wales talents.