Welsh Clubs Begin Quest for Conference League

Six weeks after Crystal Palace’s 1‑0 triumph over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig, the hunt for next season’s UEFA Conference League final in Istanbul is about to get underway. This week three Welsh clubs enter the first qualifying round, aiming to add their names to the growing list of Welsh sides that have reached Europe.

Connah’s Quay Nomads host FC Ballkani

John Disney, the 33‑year‑old manager appointed in May 2025, will lead Connah’s Quay at Colwyn Bay’s Blue Turtle Arena on Wednesday, 7 July at 18:30 BST. The side finished runners‑up in the Cymru Premier last season, securing their first European spot since a 2016 campaign when Disney made his first appearance. This summer the club has undergone a major overhaul, with Rhys Hughes, Chris Marriott, Ben Nash and the Edwards brothers Kai and Noah all moving on.

“The club has gone through a massive transition,” Disney said. “We now have a young, adaptable squad that’s hungry to learn and to prove itself on the European stage.” The squad’s freshness is contrasted with the experienced FC Ballkani, three‑time champions of Kosovo who have twice reached the Conference League group stage. The first leg marks a fresh challenge for the Nomads as they aim to build on their recent domestic successes.

Caernarfon Town take on Levadia Tallinn

Caernarfon Town will welcome Estonian side Levadia Tallinn on Thursday, 8 July at 18:30 BST. The Welsh side secured a European berth by winning the Welsh Cup 3‑0 against Flint Town United in April, repeating a 2022 qualification that saw them beat Crusaders before a narrow defeat to Legia Warsaw. Manager Richard Davies has overseen a successful campaign, noting the pressure of playing at home after a year away from The Oval.

“Levadia are a very good side and they’re halfway through their season,” Davies added. “We’ve been watching them closely, using past matches against TNS and Bala as reference points.” Levadia finished second in last season’s Meistriliiga and sit top of the table after 19 games, having lost only once. Their home advantage and fitness level pose a serious test for Caernarfon, whose newly refurbished ground will host a sell‑out crowd for the first leg.

Penybont meet FC Santa Coloma

Penybont will play FC Santa Coloma on Thursday, 8 July at 19:45 BST, staged at Cardiff City Stadium. The sides previously clashed in 2023, playing out a 1‑1 draw at Bridgend’s Brewery Field, where Chris Venables equalised before a sending‑off and extra‑time strike secured progression for the Andorran club. The midfielder Mael Davies believes the recent defeat to Kauno Zalgiris has strengthened the squad ahead of this tie.

“Santa Coloma are very fit and come from a hot climate,” Davies noted. “Our summer recruitment has added quality, giving us a stronger, more confident squad.” At 40, Venables remains a key figure for Rhys Griffiths’ side, and the home crowd is expected to act as a 12th man, boosting morale after a 3‑0 away loss last year. A positive result at home would give Penybont a solid platform heading to Andorra for the second leg.