THE announcement all local football fans had waited for was made last week as the Football Association of Wales (FAW) confirmed that up to 100 spectators are now allowed into grounds to watch their favourite clubs play.
Over the last year and a half, football fans have been denied access to matches due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in place by the Welsh Government.
But, as of last week, following a successful few weeks of trial events, organised by the governing body and conducted by their member clubs, they will now be allowed to welcome fans in a safe manner.
The news will come as a welcome relief to clubs who have been unable to generate any revenue over the last year and with the new season kicking off this weekend for most clubs across North Wales. 
A total of six trial matches took place, ranging from fourth-tier Bangor 1876 to Europa Conference League hopefuls Newtown, in the hope of providing an understanding for Welsh clubs in welcoming spectators in a COVID-19 setting. 
Clubs throughout Wales will be bound by the 100 limit but can make a request to the FAW to prove they can welcome more fans, in line with the Welsh Government’s social distancing rules.
From the trial events held recently, a video has been produced to help supporters know how their match day experience should be conducted during the era of COVID-19. 
Things such as arriving at a designated arrival time, as well as wearing a face covering are to be considered. 
Connah’s Quay have already announced that they will be able to welcome 200 spectators to their Champions League qualifier with Alashkert.
The same number of spectators are expected to attend Bala’s Europea Conference League match with Northern Irish side Larne at The New Saints’ Park Hall ground.
The Lakesiders had also permitted 100 spectators for their warm-up match with Colwyn Bay at Maes Tegid on Saturday afternoon, a game which they won 2-0 thanks to a brace from new signing Danny Walker-Rice.