Newtown have set their sights on European football after being awarded a UEFA licence for next season by the Welsh FA.

Under league rules, all clubs have to maintain standards of facilities and club structure in order to qualify for top level domestic competition, with further requirements to fulfil in order to participate in the UEFA Cup and Champions League competitions should they qualify.

Currently 4th in the league, Newtown are well placed to compete for European qualification via the play-offs at the end of this season, which sees clubs placed from 4th to 7th compete for the league's final UEFA Cup spot.

A statement from the club's chairman Howard Ellis said the club was "highly delighted" to have secured a licence.

"Newtown AFC are highly delighted to have attained their UEFA and Domestic license for the 2019/20 season," he said.

"Once again the board of directors are thankful for all the hard work done by our administration secretary Barbara Gardner, finance officer Barry Gardner, and stadium director Gareth Owen, and our Academy head of youth Craig Williams.

"The importance of retaining our licence means we can participate in the UEFA Cup and also remain in the JD Premier League for Another season. It’s great to see a club like Newtown AFC acting as flag bearer for Mid Wales football and continuing to play in the highest levels within Welsh football."

The club last competed in European competition in 2015 when they achieved a memorable two-leg victory over Maltese side Valletta before losing out to FC Copenhagen in the next round.

Champions TNS also achieved the maximum standard, with the club heralding a 'team effort' behind the scenes to meet the grading.

“We are extremely pleased to have once again achieved both the UEFA and FAW Tier 1 licences. Our success on the pitch is mirrored by the standards off it and club licensing has played a major part in this process” said Ian Williams, the club’s Chief Operating Officer.

In the Welsh Premier League, 10 clubs achieved the UEFA standard, with Caernarfon and bottom club Llanelli the only two clubs not to do so. However Caernarfon did achieve the tier 1 licence which means they will be eligible to compete in the Welsh Premier League next season.

Promoted club Airbus Broughton also achieved a tier 1 licence.