News From The 2026 AGM
Sun 21st June 2026 | Announcements | By Martin Fallon
The League's Annual General Meeting took place on Saturday (20th June) at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool. Representatives of all 60 member clubs were in attendance as well as all of the twelve new member clubs that have been allocated to the League for the new season.
To open the meeting, League Chairman Chris Stirrup welcomed all delegates at 11.00am prompt. After John Deal gave formal notice and apologies were given, the minutes from the previous AGM were raised and adopted prior to moving on to the Chairman's Report.
The report from the Chairman started by welcoming everyone in his first 12 months in the role, before covering off all of the on-field matters from last season.
He said "Congratulations to Premier Division clubs Wythenshawe, who won the Premier Division at the first time of asking, getting 106 points after relegation the previous season, becoming the first team since 1999-00 to bounce back to the Northern Premier League at the first attempt. Congratulations to Ramsbottom United who finished runners up but also to Padiham who were promoted via the Play-Offs after beating Chadderton in the Final
"In the First Division North, Nelson won the league by nine points, whilst runners-up Droylsden were promoted via the Play-Offs after missing out the last two seasons at that stage. In the First Division South, Runcorn Town won the league by at a canter with Eccleshall finishing as runners-up but it was Stockport Georgians who were promoted after winning the Play-Offs.
"In the FA Cup, Chadderton were our best performers, reaching the Third round Qualifying including a victory over FC United of Manchester, and in the FA Vase, both Droylsden and West Didsbury & Chorlton reached the Quarter Final stage.
"Congratulations to Runcorn Town who completed a league and cup double by winning the Edward Case Cup . In the County Cups, congratulations to Droylsden who added the Manchester Premier Cup to promotion, and to Runcorn Town, Glossop North End, Padiham, Eccleshall and Shawbury United who all reached their respective finals. And finally, congratulations to AFC Liverpool on lifting the Macron Cup which was just a great day.
"Sadly we lose several clubs today. First Wythenshawe and Padiham who move to the Northern Premier League, Runcorn Town and Stockport Georgians who were both promoted but are laterally moved to Midland League, Also moving to the Midland League are Cheadle Town and West Didsbury & Chorlton, both who have been long serving NWCFL clubs, whilst we also say goodbye to City of Liverpool and Haughmond who have been relegated to a County Feeder League.
"During the season we also lost Wolverhampton Sporting Community who resigned in January with Stockport Town and Pilkington both resigning after the conclusion of the season.
He then looked ahead to the new season, saying "For the new season we welcome twelve new clubs. One relegated to us, six promoted to us, three laterally moved from the Midlands League and two new clubs. This gives a total of 62 clubs this season; The Premier Division and Division One South will run with 20 clubs, with 22 in the First Division North.
After concluding a summary of last season, Chris then looked at off-field matters. One particular emphasis was on standards, with the FA now solely responsible for who comes into the league by conducting ground grading assessments and the suitability of clubs, something that individual leagues have done themselves until not too long ago.
He said "Off the field there was a lot of discussion last season about where we are and what the future could look like for our clubs. Throughout the season, I've sought views from everyone I've encountered and I apologise if I didn't get to your club, but the overriding opinions that I've found are that clubs are rightly worried over lateral movements and the lowering of standards relating to ground grading.
"You all work hard to keep your ground up to the required standards and beyond and it's only right you want that work protecting. However for this coming season, with teams coming to us, we as a league have found some issues which we have flagged up to the FA and we are working closely with the FA to resolve them. I hope they are sorted amicably and quickly to retain the integrity of the league which we have all built and share pride in.
"The FA have acknowledged the situations and have actually apologised to the League for the situation we now have to try and fix. But for the avoidance of doubt, the club's that do have issues, I think, have been largely mislead and find themselves in a situation they didn't create, much like we find ourselves having to try and work to fix ua mess that isn't of our making.
Chris then conclu
These are challenging times for our league. We are seeing the Midland League creep further north at step five, while we creep further south at step six and at some point, something has to change. There is a fight ahead, I've no idea what the outcome will look like, but what I do know is that we are actively looking out for all of our Clubs best interests and also the Clubs who want to come back to us.
Chris then concluded by thanking clubs and the people behind the scenes at clubs in his closing notes.
He said "Being in this role for 12 months, it's been hard going and a lot to get my head around, but what I do know is that there are a lot of good and knowledgeable people involved, not just on the Managament Committee but at all of our clubs.
"Everyone in this room should be proud of what they do and when I have visited clubs, and I've been to most of you last season even though you may not of have known, I'm always impressed by how things are run.
"Thank you all for doing what you do and I look forward to visiting you all again on the quiet next season".
Administrative procedures were carried out, including the adopting of standing orders. It was confirmed that all clubs have paid their annual subscriptions for the forthcoming season, and all fines from last season have been settled.
The accounts for the financial last year were then adopted with thanks to our accountants, as well as reviewing the auditors report. This technically concluded the league business for the 2025/26 season.
Next was the exclusion of clubs (see above) which in a long-standing tradition at the NWCFL, was a chance to say goodbye to the room. Similiarly the new clubs coming in had the opportunity to say hello and outline to the room who they are.
The constitution of the league was then agreed, with 20 clubs in the Premier Division, 22 in the First Division North and 20 in the First Division South. As well as the above, Ashville and Cammell Laird 1907 were laterally moved from the First Division South to the First Division North. As Paul pointed out, we have no choice these days but to accept it as it is decided nationally by the FA! The full make up of all three of our divisions for 2026/27 will therefore be as follows:
PREMIER DIVISION
Abbey Hey, AFC Liverpool, Atherton LR, Barnoldswick Town, Burscough, Chadderton, Charnock Richard, Droylsden, Euxton Villa, FC Isle of Man, FC St Helens, Glossop North End, Irlam, Longridge Town, Litherland Remyca, Nelson, Prestwich Heys, Ramsbottom United, South Liverpool, Trafford
DIVISION ONE NORTH
AFC Blackpool, AFC Knowsley, Ashton Athletic, Ashton Town, Ashville, Bacup Borough, Colne, Daisy Hill, Darwen, Flixton, Fulwood Amateurs, Garstang, Halewood Apollo, Holker Old Boys, Maghull, Maine Road, MSB Woolton, Steeton, Squires Gate, Thornton Cleveleys, Uppermill
DIVISON ONE SOUTH
AFC Bridgnorth, Allscott Heath, Alsager Town, Barnton, Cheadle Heath Nomads, Crewe, Dawley Town, Eccleshall, Foley Meir, Market Drayton Town, New Mills, Sandbach United, Shawbury United, Stafford Town, Telford Town, Wednesfield Community, Widnes Town, Wolverhampton Casuals
The next item was the Life Members and the Election of Management Committee members. Due to his long service, Ian Williams has been nominated by the League Management Committee to become a Life Member. This was duly voted in by the members.
Debbie Jessop has been appointed as General Manager, with John Deal retiring as League Secretary. He will remain as Treasurer. Debbie's position is an appointed position and not elected, so these changes with Ian and Debbie gives us two extra spaces available on the League Management Committee.
Three people this year have been re-elected unopposed and will serve three years to 2029. These are Mick Ainsworth, Martin Fallon and Rob Goodwin-Davey. There is one vacancy available that serves to 2029.
For clarity, Craig Buxton and Chris Stirrup serve to 2028 with two vacancies, with Gary Langley, Jeff Voller, Charlie O`Brien serving to 2027 with one vacancy.
The League Management therefore propose Mike Richmond to serve until 2029, with Sid Blain to serve until 2028. This was voted in by members.
This leaves two vacancies, one to 2028 and one to 2027. If anybody is interested in being co-opted onto the committee then please contact us. We would prefer somebody from the southern part of the league if possible so that we can fully represent people from that area of the league.
Administration for the new season was addressed with the FA Standardised Rules reviewed and agreed. These have not been forwarded yet by the FA so we cannot vote on them! There was a proposed change to the cup rules which is to mirror that of the FA Vase.
The fees tariffs and fine tariffs were next. Nothing changes with regards to fines, but for fees there are changes. The Northern Premier League have increased their assistant referees fees, therefore to avoid losing referee's to this league, we propose that referee's fees increase from £50 to £60 per match. Assistant referees will increase from £38 to £40, with expenses increasing from 40p to 45p per mile. This will add about £13 cost per match to clubs.
Next was confirmation of the League Insurance Scheme which was the same as last season. This was followed by the re-appointment of auditors which was agreed.
Any other business involved the adoption of North West Air Ambulance as the leagues preferred charity. This replaces State of Mind who we wish well for the future.
Chris then closed the meeting at 11.53am.
The draws for the opening rounds of the cups were made immediately following the AGM and can be found here (Macron Cup) and here (Edward Case Cup).
News From The 2026 AGM
Sun 21st June 2026 | Announcements
By Martin Fallon
The League's Annual General Meeting took place on Saturday (20th June) at the Imperial Hotel in Blackpool. Representatives of all 60 member clubs were in attendance as well as all of the twelve new member clubs that have been allocated to the League for the new season.
To open the meeting, League Chairman Chris Stirrup welcomed all delegates at 11.00am prompt. After John Deal gave formal notice and apologies were given, the minutes from the previous AGM were raised and adopted prior to moving on to the Chairman's Report.
The report from the Chairman started by welcoming everyone in his first 12 months in the role, before covering off all of the on-field matters from last season.
He said "Congratulations to Premier Division clubs Wythenshawe, who won the Premier Division at the first time of asking, getting 106 points after relegation the previous season, becoming the first team since 1999-00 to bounce back to the Northern Premier League at the first attempt. Congratulations to Ramsbottom United who finished runners up but also to Padiham who were promoted via the Play-Offs after beating Chadderton in the Final
"In the First Division North, Nelson won the league by nine points, whilst runners-up Droylsden were promoted via the Play-Offs after missing out the last two seasons at that stage. In the First Division South, Runcorn Town won the league by at a canter with Eccleshall finishing as runners-up but it was Stockport Georgians who were promoted after winning the Play-Offs.
"In the FA Cup, Chadderton were our best performers, reaching the Third round Qualifying including a victory over FC United of Manchester, and in the FA Vase, both Droylsden and West Didsbury & Chorlton reached the Quarter Final stage.
"Congratulations to Runcorn Town who completed a league and cup double by winning the Edward Case Cup . In the County Cups, congratulations to Droylsden who added the Manchester Premier Cup to promotion, and to Runcorn Town, Glossop North End, Padiham, Eccleshall and Shawbury United who all reached their respective finals. And finally, congratulations to AFC Liverpool on lifting the Macron Cup which was just a great day.
"Sadly we lose several clubs today. First Wythenshawe and Padiham who move to the Northern Premier League, Runcorn Town and Stockport Georgians who were both promoted but are laterally moved to Midland League, Also moving to the Midland League are Cheadle Town and West Didsbury & Chorlton, both who have been long serving NWCFL clubs, whilst we also say goodbye to City of Liverpool and Haughmond who have been relegated to a County Feeder League.
"During the season we also lost Wolverhampton Sporting Community who resigned in January with Stockport Town and Pilkington both resigning after the conclusion of the season.
He then looked ahead to the new season, saying "For the new season we welcome twelve new clubs. One relegated to us, six promoted to us, three laterally moved from the Midlands League and two new clubs. This gives a total of 62 clubs this season; The Premier Division and Division One South will run with 20 clubs, with 22 in the First Division North.
After concluding a summary of last season, Chris then looked at off-field matters. One particular emphasis was on standards, with the FA now solely responsible for who comes into the league by conducting ground grading assessments and the suitability of clubs, something that individual leagues have done themselves until not too long ago.
He said "Off the field there was a lot of discussion last season about where we are and what the future could look like for our clubs. Throughout the season, I've sought views from everyone I've encountered and I apologise if I didn't get to your club, but the overriding opinions that I've found are that clubs are rightly worried over lateral movements and the lowering of standards relating to ground grading.
"You all work hard to keep your ground up to the required standards and beyond and it's only right you want that work protecting. However for this coming season, with teams coming to us, we as a league have found some issues which we have flagged up to the FA and we are working closely with the FA to resolve them. I hope they are sorted amicably and quickly to retain the integrity of the league which we have all built and share pride in.
"The FA have acknowledged the situations and have actually apologised to the League for the situation we now have to try and fix. But for the avoidance of doubt, the club's that do have issues, I think, have been largely mislead and find themselves in a situation they didn't create, much like we find ourselves having to try and work to fix ua mess that isn't of our making.
Chris then conclu
These are challenging times for our league. We are seeing the Midland League creep further north at step five, while we creep further south at step six and at some point, something has to change. There is a fight ahead, I've no idea what the outcome will look like, but what I do know is that we are actively looking out for all of our Clubs best interests and also the Clubs who want to come back to us.
Chris then concluded by thanking clubs and the people behind the scenes at clubs in his closing notes.
He said "Being in this role for 12 months, it's been hard going and a lot to get my head around, but what I do know is that there are a lot of good and knowledgeable people involved, not just on the Managament Committee but at all of our clubs.
"Everyone in this room should be proud of what they do and when I have visited clubs, and I've been to most of you last season even though you may not of have known, I'm always impressed by how things are run.
"Thank you all for doing what you do and I look forward to visiting you all again on the quiet next season".
Administrative procedures were carried out, including the adopting of standing orders. It was confirmed that all clubs have paid their annual subscriptions for the forthcoming season, and all fines from last season have been settled.
The accounts for the financial last year were then adopted with thanks to our accountants, as well as reviewing the auditors report. This technically concluded the league business for the 2025/26 season.
Next was the exclusion of clubs (see above) which in a long-standing tradition at the NWCFL, was a chance to say goodbye to the room. Similiarly the new clubs coming in had the opportunity to say hello and outline to the room who they are.
The constitution of the league was then agreed, with 20 clubs in the Premier Division, 22 in the First Division North and 20 in the First Division South. As well as the above, Ashville and Cammell Laird 1907 were laterally moved from the First Division South to the First Division North. As Paul pointed out, we have no choice these days but to accept it as it is decided nationally by the FA! The full make up of all three of our divisions for 2026/27 will therefore be as follows:
PREMIER DIVISION
Abbey Hey, AFC Liverpool, Atherton LR, Barnoldswick Town, Burscough, Chadderton, Charnock Richard, Droylsden, Euxton Villa, FC Isle of Man, FC St Helens, Glossop North End, Irlam, Longridge Town, Litherland Remyca, Nelson, Prestwich Heys, Ramsbottom United, South Liverpool, Trafford
DIVISION ONE NORTH
AFC Blackpool, AFC Knowsley, Ashton Athletic, Ashton Town, Ashville, Bacup Borough, Colne, Daisy Hill, Darwen, Flixton, Fulwood Amateurs, Garstang, Halewood Apollo, Holker Old Boys, Maghull, Maine Road, MSB Woolton, Steeton, Squires Gate, Thornton Cleveleys, Uppermill
DIVISON ONE SOUTH
AFC Bridgnorth, Allscott Heath, Alsager Town, Barnton, Cheadle Heath Nomads, Crewe, Dawley Town, Eccleshall, Foley Meir, Market Drayton Town, New Mills, Sandbach United, Shawbury United, Stafford Town, Telford Town, Wednesfield Community, Widnes Town, Wolverhampton Casuals
The next item was the Life Members and the Election of Management Committee members. Due to his long service, Ian Williams has been nominated by the League Management Committee to become a Life Member. This was duly voted in by the members.
Debbie Jessop has been appointed as General Manager, with John Deal retiring as League Secretary. He will remain as Treasurer. Debbie's position is an appointed position and not elected, so these changes with Ian and Debbie gives us two extra spaces available on the League Management Committee.
Three people this year have been re-elected unopposed and will serve three years to 2029. These are Mick Ainsworth, Martin Fallon and Rob Goodwin-Davey. There is one vacancy available that serves to 2029.
For clarity, Craig Buxton and Chris Stirrup serve to 2028 with two vacancies, with Gary Langley, Jeff Voller, Charlie O`Brien serving to 2027 with one vacancy.
The League Management therefore propose Mike Richmond to serve until 2029, with Sid Blain to serve until 2028. This was voted in by members.
This leaves two vacancies, one to 2028 and one to 2027. If anybody is interested in being co-opted onto the committee then please contact us. We would prefer somebody from the southern part of the league if possible so that we can fully represent people from that area of the league.
Administration for the new season was addressed with the FA Standardised Rules reviewed and agreed. These have not been forwarded yet by the FA so we cannot vote on them! There was a proposed change to the cup rules which is to mirror that of the FA Vase.
The fees tariffs and fine tariffs were next. Nothing changes with regards to fines, but for fees there are changes. The Northern Premier League have increased their assistant referees fees, therefore to avoid losing referee's to this league, we propose that referee's fees increase from £50 to £60 per match. Assistant referees will increase from £38 to £40, with expenses increasing from 40p to 45p per mile. This will add about £13 cost per match to clubs.
Next was confirmation of the League Insurance Scheme which was the same as last season. This was followed by the re-appointment of auditors which was agreed.
Any other business involved the adoption of North West Air Ambulance as the leagues preferred charity. This replaces State of Mind who we wish well for the future.
Chris then closed the meeting at 11.53am.
The draws for the opening rounds of the cups were made immediately following the AGM and can be found here (Macron Cup) and here (Edward Case Cup).
