RHYL Ladies have “regrettably” announced their decision to withdraw from the Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League for the 2019/2020 season.

The decision comes as a result of the “difficulties to retain and recruit players” with suitable talent to remain competitive in the top tier of the women’s domestic game.

A number of the squad from the previous season have left the club due to changing personal circumstances linked to work and education, and despite a heavy recruitment drive throughout the summer the Lilies’ have been left in a position where it will be unable to compete.

Tom Jamieson, Rhyl Ladies’ director of football, said: “Following the departure of a number of key players, over the summer myself and Cassandra Thomas have spoken to nearly 40 players across North Wales and the North West to seek the right signings for the club.

“For many there was a reluctance to commit to a National League and we have been unable to secure the players to compete at this level.

“After all the hard work to progress this team from regional football to the Welsh Premier League it’s very much with regret that we need to take this decision and this has been taken early to ensure that the WPWL can consider the implications of this in advance of the start of the season in September.”

Jamieson also confirmed that the Rhyl Ladies Development Team, who were formed last summer, will be the club’s main focus throughout the current campaign and the set-up “rebuilds with a clear emphasis on player development”.

They will compete regionally within the North Wales system and a further emphasis will be put in building the Rhyl Girls’ structure, which has gone from strength-to-strength in recent months.

“Whilst this is a sad moment, we hope this period will ensure that the club rebuilds and emerges stronger,” added Jamieson.