Rhyl celebrate their Huws Gray Alliance title and return to the top flight [chestertonphotography.co.uk].

THE Huws Gray Alliance is the second tier of the Welsh football pyramid for clubs from north and mid-Wales.

South Wales has the parallel Welsh Football League Division 1.

At the end of the season the champions of both second tier leagues are eligible for promotion to the Welsh Premier, if they can gain the FAW's domestic club licence. If not, the runner-up may also qualify.

Teams that have gained promotion from the Alliance in recent years are Welshpool Town (2002), Porthmadog (2003), Airbus UK (2004), Llangefni Town (2007), Prestatyn Town (2008) and Bala Town (2009).

In 2010/11, the number of clubs in the league was reduced to 16 with Caersws, Cefn Druids, Connah's Quay, Porthmadog, Rhyl and Welshpool all dropping down from the Welsh Premier. 

Rhayader Town, Rhos Aelwyd and Rhydymwyn were promoted, while Berriew, Bethesda Athletic, Caernarfon Town, Denbigh Town, Gresford Athletic, Holyhead Hotspur, Lex XI, Llanfairpwll, Llangollen Town and Mold Alexandra were all relegated from the Alliance into tier three leagues.

At the end of season 2012/13, champions Rhyl were promoted back to the Welsh Premier after an absence of three years.

Caersws, Cefn Druids, Conwy United, Flint Town United, Llangefni Town, Porthmadog and Rhayader are all former members of the Welsh Premier/League of Wales.