Now that Bangor 1876 are in Tier 3, we need to start planning for future developments. Although we are rather early in the season to think about the next stages, planning has to commence this early, as we will need to submit an application for our ground to comply with the criteria applying to the League in which we play, or hope to play, be this Tier 2 or Tier 3, during the following season.

The Club has a widely publicised aspiration to play in Tier 2 and have taken steps to recruit a squad which will get it to this level in the short term. The Board is committed to mirroring the on-field aspirations with ensuring that the whole club infrastructure is fit for the future.

Recently, certain “developments” in relation to the use of the Nantporth stadium (as opposed to the complex including the 3G pitch) have generated a considerable amount of comment. It is the Club’s intention to clarify its position in relation to its future intentions as part of the wide-ranging planning process to determine what is best for the club.

Our supporters will be aware of the annual process in relation to the necessity to play on a ground complying with Tier 3 criteria. In playing terms, we have now reached Tier 3 so the next logical step is to seek to be playing on a ground having the benefit of a Tier 2 licence.(we successfully sought Tier 3 ground status when we were in Tier 5). For the last three seasons, the planning process commenced at this time so as to satisfy the need to submit an application by December 31. This year is no different in this respect.

Bangor 1876 Chairman, Glynne Roberts, is bringing together a small panel of directors and officials to undertake an audit of current facilities; to consider all options for the future, which will include discussions with all relevant parties, and also include a number of wider stakeholders to agree a shared vision for football in Bangor before seeking to make a decision. The work of this group will be shared with the wider fan-base before any significant decisions are made.

A number of factors need to be borne in mind. In relation to cost, an initial assessment of the practicality of upgrading Treborth to Tier 2 indicates that it is a relatively realistic option, thus dispelling any suggestions that the cost of playing facilities would prevent the team from finding itself in Tier 2. We are also keen to explore the possibilities of utilising the facilities at Nantporth (Stadium), a ground that has previously enjoyed the benefit of possessing Tier 1 and UEFA licences. However, it does not currently have a licence which would allow it to host men’s Tier 3 matches. In order to obtain a licence for 2023-4, an application needs to be made by a bona fide FAW member club by the deadline.

The University has provided a foundation upon which we have built a sustainable football club which is now the most senior club in the City. We have formed a valuable partnership with the University, and there is every reason to continue with this arrangement. Having said this, the facilities at Treborth are in high demand and, until a similar facility is provided in Caernarfon, will continue to attract users from that area. This affects the availability of facilities for our junior teams and we will be considering this factor when considering what is available, and at what cost, in other venues in and around Bangor. However this does not apply to the first team.

It should also be emphasised that Clwb Pêl-droed Merched Bangor 1876 Women’s FC, as a free standing member of the FAW, is not subject to decision making by Bangor 1876 FC, and has had to make similar decisions around the availability of facilities. There will obviously be a close working relationship between the clubs to ensure that the future mapping includes options that benefit both.

Bangor 1876 aims to be inclusive, and takes its role as a community club extremely seriously. In moving forward, discussions will be held with a wide range of partners and stakeholders to ensure that the club builds on its solid foundation whilst maintaining good relationships with other organisations in the city.