Clubs operating below Welsh football’s top flight could have to wait another two months before competitive league action returns.

The Football Association of Wales released their plans to move to stages one and two of their next stage – phase three this week.

This will enable senior and youth sides to take part in outdoor contact training in groups of no more than 15, including coaches, and the number must not exceed 30 at any point.

Should this part of the plan go well and no further restrictions are put in place by the Welsh Government with cases soaring across the country, the governing body will permit two sides from the same club – first-team and second unit – to compete in friendly fixtures from October 5 and 12.

The FAW also announced plans for stage five of phase three to begin on October 19. This will involve friendly matches but only against teams operating in the same league with no fans allowed to attend.

These plans might be subject to more change, which is dependant on Welsh Government advice, who allowed the Cymru Premier League to return after granting them as “elite athlete” status.

Clubs are obviously frustrated and some officials met to discuss the situation with the North East Wales Football Association area.

Many clubs are claiming the new directives pose more questions than answers and fuelling their fire is that football in Chester and the Wirral has been back for two weeks.

Wrexham Youth League chairman Phil Jones wants a swift return but said: “The health and welfare as far as I am concerned is of paramount importance and although I know better than anyone how so many people are frustrated by the fact we have a continual delay and it will be some considerable time before everything is up and running, the phase three plan does offer some hope.

“At the bottom of the pyramid, mini-football is set to get the green light to commence in the coming weeks. However, how we can get the show back on the road without parents and spectators present is going to be a significant challenge.

“My phone has been on melt down. All clubs have been presented with the new guidelines so it will be helpful if they could channel any issues to their specific league representative and in the case of the Wrexham Youth League, please get in touch via email with our secretary at wdyfl2015@yahoo.com.

“Whilst it may well be November before can establish a ‘back to normal’ scenario, just focusing on league games and extending the fixtures into late June or even early July might just safeguard a playing season.

“From a Youth League perspective we have a record number of clubs anxious to see the green light for around 3,000 youngsters but most will agree due to COVID-19 we are experiencing unprecedented times and the safety of all is paramount.”