(article compiled with material from NW Counties League website)

The FA Leagues Committee have confirmed the League Allocations for the 2026/27 season, with the teams now provisionally known for the Premier Division, First Division North and First Division South.

The big news in the Premier Division is that it will be running with a 20-team division, down from the 24 we have had for the last three seasons. The FA have long stated its intention is to have 20 teams in the 16 Step 5 divisions across the country as part of the "perfect pyramid", and they look to be going back to this. This means there will be eight fewer games over the season, four away, four at home.

From a Heys perspective the changes reduce the number of “Manchester” derbies by half, including the visit of West Didsbury & Chorlton, often amongst the biggest attendances of the season, but do make for a more geographically spread Division.

Stockport Town have withdrawn from the league stating their resignation is due to their "consideration of the clubs long-term future and its ability to compete at Step 5 of the National League System"

Wythenshawe and Padiham both return to the Northern Premier League Division One West as Champions and Promotion Winners respectively. City of Liverpool and Litherland REMYCA finished the season in the relegation spots.

There has also been some lateral movement of clubs to reduce the number of teams to 20, with Cheadle Town and West Didsbury & Chorlton both moving to the Midland League Premier Division.

Trafford rejoin the league after being relegated from the Northern Premier League last season. However, Wythenshawe Town, who were relegated from the Northern Premier League last season, have been laterally moved, along with First Division South Champions Runcorn Town and Play-off Winners Stockport Georgians.

Promoted from the First Division North are Nelson and Droylsden who have both been placed in the Premier Division.

The full Premier Division line up for next season, which starts on 1st August is:
Abbey Hey
AFC Liverpool
Atherton LR
Barnoldswick Town
Burscough
Chadderton
Charnock Richard
Droylsden
Euxton Villa
FC St Helens
FC Isle of Man
Glossop North End
Irlam
Longridge Town
Nelson (P)
Pilkington
Prestwich Heys
Ramsbottom United
South Liverpool
Trafford

For the record the other Divisions line up as follows:

FIRST DIVISION NORTH: AFC Blackpool, AFC Knowsley, Ashton Athletic, Ashton Town, Ashville Bacup Borough, Cammell Laird 1907, Colne, Daisy Hill, Darwen, Flixton, Fulwood Amateurs, Garstang, Halewood Apollo, Holker Old Boys, Litherland REMYCA, Maghull, MSB Woolton, Squires Gate, Steeton, Thornton Cleveleys, Uppermill

FIRST DIVISION SOUTH: AFC Bridgnorth, Allscott Heath, Alsager Town, Barnton, Bilston Social, Brereton Social, 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, Wolverhampton Casuals