Welsh League Cup

Welsh League Cup
Founded	1992
Region	Wales
Number of teams	18
Tournament information
Current champions	Connah's Quay Nomads
Most successful team(s)	The New Saints (7 titles)
Current
Website	Official website

The Welsh League Cup (also known as the League of Wales Cup, Welsh Premier League Cup or The Word Cup) is a cup competition in Welsh football organised by the Welsh Premier League. The competition was established in 1992 and is considered to be the second-most important domestic cup competition for Welsh football clubs, after the older and more prestigious Welsh Cup. Unlike the Welsh Cup, where 135 teams entered in 2008–09, the competition is only open to the members of the Welsh Premier League and a very select few other clubs. It should not be confused with the Welsh Football League Cup, which is for the clubs in the Welsh Football League, which despite its name only covers the south and center of Wales.

Format

Since the inaugural season in 1992/93 the format of the competition has changed many times. The 2006/07 season saw the introduction of a new format for the competition. Beginning in August, the eighteen premier league teams are split into six regionalised groups of three teams. The six group winners and two runners-up enter a quarter-final knock-out phase, followed by a two legged semi-final match before ending with the final in April.

History

The first Welsh League Cup was won by Afan Lido Port Talbot in 1992/93, who beat Caersws FC 4–3 on penalties, after drawing in the final 1–1. The New Saints hold the record for the most League Cup titles; they have won the competition six times. Bangor City hold the distinction of making the most number of appearances in the final and losing on every occasion (6).

The cup is currently held by The New Saints, who defeated Bala Town 3–0.

Sponsorship

Since 2003, the League Cup has been named after its sponsor, giving it the following name:

• Loosemores League Cup (2003 to 2012), sponsored by Loosemores Solicitors (Cardiff)
• The Word Cup (2012 to present), sponsored by theWord, a Cardiff-based telecommunications provider.

Prize money

The total prize fund for the competition is £15,000. The league awards £1,000 to each losing semi-finalist, £3,000 to the runner-up and £10,000 to the competition winners.

External links

• Official League Cup Website
• Welsh-Premier.com Loosemores League Cup

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