The Football Association of Wales National Cup Board has approved the FAW Cup Conference Dates for next season – with matches being played as early as July.

Following the cancellation of the majority of competitions in the 2020/21 season, it has been revealed that competitions will much commence earlier than normal in the 2021/22 campaign.

"The decision to start earlier has been taken following guidance issued in the Welsh Government Coronavirus Control Plan, which advises that ‘spring and summer give us hope of more freedom, as rates of infection fall and more people are vaccinated,' said an FAW spokesperson.

"The Control Plan also details that ‘scientific modelling from a range of sources points to the very high likelihood of a third wave of infections later this year.’

"Therefore, the FAW is looking to maximise the playing opportunities where possible in the 2021/22 season, whilst taking into account the possible threat of further interruptions to competitions.

"All entries for cancelled FAW Cup Competitions, including the JD Welsh Cup, FAW Amateur Trophy, FAW Women’s Cup and FAW Youth Cup, will be rolled-over to the equivalent competition for the 2021/22 season, and entry fees for these teams will be waived."

The Conference dates are as follows:

JD Welsh Cup: QR1 - Saturday, 10 July 2021; QR2 - Saturday, 24 July 2021; R1 - Saturday, 14 August 2021; R2 - Saturday, 4 September 2021; R3 - Saturday, 25 September 2021; R4 - Saturday, 16 October 2021; QF - Saturday, 19 February 2022; SF - Saturday, 26 February 2022; Final - 30 April, 1 or 2 May 2022.

FAW Amateur Trophy: R1 - Saturday, 17 July 2021; R2 - Saturday, 7 August 2021; R3 - Saturday, 21 August 2021; R4 - Saturday, 11 September 2021; R5 - Saturday, 2 October 2021; QF - Saturday, 26 February 2022; SF - Saturday, 19 March 2022; Final - Saturday, 23 April 2022.

FAW Women’s Cup: QR - Sunday, 19 September 2021; R1 - Sunday, 3 October 2021; R2 - Sunday, 17 October 2021; QF - Sunday, 6 February 2022; SF - Sunday, 13 March 2022; Final - Saturday, 23 April 2022.

FAW U16 Girls Cup: R1 - Sunday, 12 September 2021; R2 - Sunday, 26 September 2021; R3 - Sunday, 10 October 2021; QF - Sunday, 14 November 2021; SF - Sunday, 13 February 2022; Final - 10 or 24 April 2022.

FAW Academy Finals: Sunday, 1 or Monday, 2 May 2022.