With the 2015/16 season barely out of the rear view mirror the teams across the Vale are gearing up for the new 2016/17 adventure.

The landscape has changed in the Premier Division with Champions Cardiff Airport finally promoted to the SWFA Alliance league, leaving a void at the top of the league.

Last season’s third place team Wenvoe Arms and title contenders endured disappointment this summer. Sadly folding as a club and won’t be there to mount a challenge.

Runners up St Athan will be looking to improve on last season’s agonising finale of missing out on the title by two points while fellow Premier Division mainstays Barry Athletic, AFC Rhoose and Cowbridge Town looking to challenge.

The top division is looking exceptionally competitive, not forgetting Dinas Powys Athletic, Penarth Town, Masons Moving Group and Island Marine adding improvement to their ranks. With newly promoted Vale United and Tynewydd only adding to that competitiveness as they look to carry over their momentum from last term.

In division one, SWFA rules prevented Cogan Cornonation from being promoted due to their alliance league side and they’ll be looking to defend their crown against the likes of Sully Sports and Barry Belgrade. Cardiff Airport’s B side cannot be ruled out and once again newly promoted sides Dockers and Barry Athletic B must seen amongst the favourites.

Division two has no new teams entering, ensuring a competitive league. Knap have been renamed Barry Saints and will be looking to push on to the top of the league along with last season’s third place team Cadoxton Imps. This is the division most open with a number of sides capable.

The new season promises to be one of the most fascinating for quite some time, the competition kicks off on Saturday 20th August, so make sure to check out the fixtures and get along to support your local side.

HD