JD CYMRU SOUTH 2025/26: A NEW CHALLENGE, A NEW AMBITION

After a summer of change at Park Avenue, a new chapter begins for Aberystwyth Town Football Club as the team prepare for the first ever campaign in the JD Cymru South. While the disappointment of relegation is still fresh, there’s renewed optimism around the club, on and off the pitch, as we look to bounce back and compete at the top end of a fiercely competitive division.

With three promotion places available and an exciting new-look squad taking shape under the leadership of Callum McKenzie, we believe we have every reason to target a top-three finish.

A Fresh Start

Our new manager brings experience and ambition, having already stamped his mark on the squad. Familiar faces from his previous tenure at Newtown including Desean Martin, Dylan Downs, and Calvin Smith have joined the Seasiders; alongside a promising group of English non-league talents including Kane Auld, Star Mayemba, and Tyrone Ofori.

While there’s plenty of travel involved this season with every away match requiring a journey to south Wales, this is a squad with grit, togetherness and attacking flair—qualities we’ll need in abundance if we’re to make our mark on this league.

The Challenge Ahead

The Cymru South will be no walkover. Former top-tier sides Pontypridd United and Carmarthen Town are sure to be in the mix, along with fast-rising clubs like Newport City, Cambrian United, and Trefelin; all of whom have made bold moves in the transfer window.

Pontypridd, now under ex-Trethomas boss Mark Dunford, have retained the core of a successful squad and will be among the early favourites. Carmarthen, too, have strengthened, with the return of Luke Cummings and several additions with Cymru Premier pedigree.

Newport City ended last season in flying form and boast firepower in the form of Kayne McLaggon and Nat Jarvis—both proven threats in the final third. Cambrian United have landed the division’s Golden Boot winner Liam Eason, while Trefelin continue to impress with players like Luke Bowen and the ever-dangerous Lee Trundle.

Newcomers Treowen Stars and Cardiff Draconians will be relishing the challenge, while Ynyshir Albions, fresh from promotion, will be aiming to make a bigger impact than their last stint in the division.

And let’s not forget the consistency of clubs like Caerau Ely, Baglan Dragons, and Afan Lido, who all possess the ability to take points off anyone.

On the Road

Our travels will take us to every corner of South Wales, rural towns, valley communities, and coastal pitches, each with its own set of challenges. But for the loyal Green Army, these journeys are also an opportunity: to show our colours, support the lads, and remind the league that Aberystwyth Town remains one of Welsh football’s proudest clubs.

Eyes on the Prize

Our goal is simple: to compete, to grow, and to return to where we belong. While the league is packed with strong sides and standout signings, we believe in our squad, our manager, and the direction we’re heading.

We’re under no illusions about the size of the challenge, but with unity, belief, and support from our fans and partners, this can be a season to remember.

The team enjoyed the hard work and the baking conditions at our open training session in pre season, check out some of the images below.