North West Counties Football League
Encyclopedia
The North West Counties Football League is a football league in North west of England
. As of 2011, the league covers Cheshire
, Greater Manchester
, Lancashire
, Merseyside
, Southern Cumbria
, Northern Staffordshire
, the High Peak
area of Derbyshire
, and the far west of West Yorkshire
. In the past, the league has also hosted clubs from North Wales
. The league currently has two divisions: the Premier Division, at level nine in the English football league system
, and the Division One at level ten. The league is a member of the Joint Liaison Council which administers the Northern arm of the National Football System in England.
and the Lancashire Combination
. It originally consisted of three divisions, but this was reduced to two in 1987, partly because of the creation of an extra division in the Northern Premier League
(NPL). At the same time, promotion and relegation between the two leagues was introduced, with either the first or second placed club in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) being entitled to a place in the NPL, subject to their ground meeting that league's requirements.
The NWCFL has six feeder leagues of its own with eligibility for promotion to the First Division being accorded to champions of the Cheshire Association Football League, Liverpool County Premier League
, West Cheshire Amateur Football League
, Staffordshire County Senior League
, West Lancashire Football League
, and Manchester Football League
, subject to their grounds meeting the NWCFL's requirements.
The first sponsorship of the NWCFL came in with Bass who remained the league sponsors until 1995. In 1998, the regional train operating company, First North Western
became the new sponsor in a two year deal.
In the 2008–09 season the league was again restructured. Division One was renamed the Premier Division and Division Two became the First Division.
The only club to have played in the top division every season since its inception is St Helens Town. Two clubs have won a league and cup double, Ashton United
in 1991–92 and Kidsgrove Athletic
in 1997–98, while Atherton Laburnum Rovers
are the only club to have won consecutive championships in 1992–93 and 1993–94. For three consecutive seasons in the 1980s Clitheroe
won each of the NWCFL divisions. In 1983–84 they were Division Three champions, the following season they won the Division Two championship and then in 1985–86 they were crowned Division One champions.
The league is currently home to two former Football League
clubs; Glossop North End
and Nelson
. The Bootle
club is not the same one as the former Football League club. Former league members Accrington Stanley
have risen to play in the Football League.
For sixteen years the record attendance for a NWCFL match was 1,353 for a First Division championship decider between Radcliffe Borough
and Caernarfon Town
in the 1982–83 season. In the 1998–99 season a crowd of 2,281 saw Workington
's championship deciding match with Mossley
at Borough Park
. In the 2005–06 season a new record was set, with 6,023 at Gigg Lane
for a Division Two match between FC United of Manchester
and Great Harwood Town
on 23 April 2006. The following season, due mainly to the relatively large support for FC united of Manchester, saw attendances rise and included a record 4,058 for an evening match, with Salford City
's Division One home game against FC United of Manchester.
The NWCFL has two cup competitions – the League Cup which is open to all clubs and the First Division Trophy. The league also runs a reserve league which consists of a single division of sixteen clubs, which also has a dedicated League Cup. From 1990–91 to 1999–2000 the league also ran a Floodlit Trophy competition.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. As of 2011, the league covers Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
, Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 2.6 million. It encompasses one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom and comprises ten metropolitan boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, and the...
, Lancashire
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
, Merseyside
Merseyside
Merseyside is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 1,365,900. It encompasses the metropolitan area centred on both banks of the lower reaches of the Mersey Estuary, and comprises five metropolitan boroughs: Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral, and the city of Liverpool...
, Southern Cumbria
Cumbria
Cumbria , is a non-metropolitan county in North West England. The county and Cumbria County Council, its local authority, came into existence in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972. Cumbria's largest settlement and county town is Carlisle. It consists of six districts, and in...
, Northern Staffordshire
Staffordshire
Staffordshire is a landlocked county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. Part of the National Forest lies within its borders...
, the High Peak
High Peak
High Peak is a non-metropolitan district and borough of the non-metropolitan county of Derbyshire, England. Administered from Buxton, it is mostly composed of high moorland plateau in the Dark Peak of the Peak District....
area of Derbyshire
Derbyshire
Derbyshire is a county in the East Midlands of England. A substantial portion of the Peak District National Park lies within Derbyshire. The northern part of Derbyshire overlaps with the Pennines, a famous chain of hills and mountains. The county contains within its boundary of approx...
, and the far west of West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is a metropolitan county within the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England with a population of 2.2 million. West Yorkshire came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972....
. In the past, the league has also hosted clubs from North Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
. The league currently has two divisions: the Premier Division, at level nine in the English football league system
English football league system
The English football league system, also known as the football pyramid, is a series of interconnected leagues for association football clubs in England, with six teams from Wales also competing...
, and the Division One at level ten. The league is a member of the Joint Liaison Council which administers the Northern arm of the National Football System in England.
History
The league was formed in 1982 by the merger of the Cheshire County LeagueCheshire County League
The Cheshire County League was a football league founded in the north west of England in 1919, drawing its teams largely from Cheshire, surrounding English counties and North Wales....
and the Lancashire Combination
Lancashire Combination
The Lancashire Combination was a football league founded in the North West of England in 1891–92. It absorbed the Lancashire League in 1903. In 1968 the Combination lost five of its clubs to the newly formed Northern Premier League...
. It originally consisted of three divisions, but this was reduced to two in 1987, partly because of the creation of an extra division in the Northern Premier League
Northern Premier League
The Northern Premier League, is one of the regional English football leagues which sits directly below the Football Conference featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs. Geographically, the league covers all of Northern England, and the northern areas of the Midlands. Originally just one...
(NPL). At the same time, promotion and relegation between the two leagues was introduced, with either the first or second placed club in the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) being entitled to a place in the NPL, subject to their ground meeting that league's requirements.
The NWCFL has six feeder leagues of its own with eligibility for promotion to the First Division being accorded to champions of the Cheshire Association Football League, Liverpool County Premier League
Liverpool County Premier League
The Liverpool County Premier League is a football competition based in Merseyside, England. It was founded in 2006 as a merger of the Liverpool County Football Combination and the I Zingari League....
, West Cheshire Amateur Football League
West Cheshire Amateur Football League
The West Cheshire Amateur Football League is an English football league in the county of Cheshire. Their current principal sponsors are Carlsberg, also sponsors of the South West Peninsula League. It has a Division One, Divisions Two and Division Three each consisting of 16 clubs...
, Staffordshire County Senior League
Staffordshire County Senior League
The Staffordshire County Senior League is a football competition based in Staffordshire, England. It was formed in 2005 as a merger of the Midland League and the Staffordshire County League....
, West Lancashire Football League
West Lancashire Football League
The West Lancashire Football League is a football competition based in northern England, consisting of five divisions - three for first teams , and two for reserve teams...
, and Manchester Football League
Manchester Football League
The Manchester Football League, currently known under terms of sponsorship as Bridgewater Office Supplies Football League, is a football league in England, covering a 20-mile radius from Manchester Town Hall. It was formed in 1893, although play ceased between 1912 and 1920. The 2010–11 champions...
, subject to their grounds meeting the NWCFL's requirements.
The first sponsorship of the NWCFL came in with Bass who remained the league sponsors until 1995. In 1998, the regional train operating company, First North Western
First North Western
First North Western was a train operating company in the United Kingdom serving North West England. It operated from 1997 to 2004.The company when first privatised was known as North Western Trains and was owned by Great Western Holdings, a partnership between Great Western's management, First...
became the new sponsor in a two year deal.
In the 2008–09 season the league was again restructured. Division One was renamed the Premier Division and Division Two became the First Division.
The only club to have played in the top division every season since its inception is St Helens Town. Two clubs have won a league and cup double, Ashton United
Ashton United F.C.
Ashton United Football Club is an English football club, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.-History:The club was originally founded in 1878 as Hurst F.C. and the earliest known match report dates back to March 1879. By 1880 the club were playing at Hurst Cross, their current ground....
in 1991–92 and Kidsgrove Athletic
Kidsgrove Athletic F.C.
Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. is an English football club based in based in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, England currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South...
in 1997–98, while Atherton Laburnum Rovers
Atherton Laburnum Rovers F.C.
Atherton Laburnum Rovers F.C. are an English football club based in Atherton in Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Crilly Park, Spa Road. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division...
are the only club to have won consecutive championships in 1992–93 and 1993–94. For three consecutive seasons in the 1980s Clitheroe
Clitheroe F.C.
Clitheroe F.C. are an English football club based in Clitheroe, Lancashire, playing in the Northern Premier League Division One North. They were established in 1877 as Clitheroe Central...
won each of the NWCFL divisions. In 1983–84 they were Division Three champions, the following season they won the Division Two championship and then in 1985–86 they were crowned Division One champions.
The league is currently home to two former Football League
The Football League
The Football League, also known as the npower Football League for sponsorship reasons, is a league competition featuring professional association football clubs from England and Wales. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest such competition in world football...
clubs; Glossop North End
Glossop North End A.F.C.
Glossop North End A.F.C. are an English football club based in Glossop, Derbyshire. Former members of the Football League, they are currently in the North West Counties League and are members of the Derbyshire County Football Association. They play their home matches at Surrey Street, which has a...
and Nelson
Nelson F.C.
Nelson F.C. are an English football club, based in Nelson, Lancashire. They are currently members of the North West Counties Football League Division One, who played their home matches at Victoria Park, Lomeshaye Way. They are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association.-Early years:...
. The Bootle
Bootle F.C.
Bootle Football Club is an English football club based in Bootle, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the North West Counties League Premier Division and play at New Bucks Park.-Previous clubs in Bootle:...
club is not the same one as the former Football League club. Former league members Accrington Stanley
Accrington Stanley F.C.
Accrington Stanley is an English association football club from Accrington in Lancashire, in the North West of England, who play in Football League Two, the fourth-highest division in the English football league system....
have risen to play in the Football League.
For sixteen years the record attendance for a NWCFL match was 1,353 for a First Division championship decider between Radcliffe Borough
Radcliffe Borough F.C.
Radcliffe Borough F.C. is an English football club based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester. The club was formed on 24 April 1949 and currently plays in the Northern Premier League Division One North...
and Caernarfon Town
Caernarfon Town F.C.
Caernarfon Town F.C. is a football team, playing in the Cymru Alliance. The club ia nicknamed The Canaries because of its yellow and green strip. Caernarfon Town plays at The Oval, Caernarfon, Gwynedd.-History:...
in the 1982–83 season. In the 1998–99 season a crowd of 2,281 saw Workington
Workington A.F.C.
Workington A.F.C. is an English football club from Workington, Cumbria. They are in the Conference North, and play their home matches at Borough Park, which has a capacity of 3,101 . The club play in red, and are known locally as the Reds...
's championship deciding match with Mossley
Mossley A.F.C.
Mossley Association Football Club are an English football club from the town of Mossley, Greater Manchester, currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One North. They were founded in 1903 and are nicknamed the Lilywhites, owing to their colours...
at Borough Park
Borough Park (Workington)
Borough Park is a stadium in Workington, England. It is home to Workington A.F.C., once members of the Football League, they now play in Conference North, Capacity is 2,500, with around 300 seats. The stadium opened in 1937.- References :...
. In the 2005–06 season a new record was set, with 6,023 at Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane
Gigg Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Bury, Greater Manchester, England. Historically within Lancashire, it was built for Bury F.C. in 1885, and has been their home ever since.-History:...
for a Division Two match between FC United of Manchester
F.C. United of Manchester
F.C. United of Manchester is an English semi-professional football club based in Bury, Greater Manchester that plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. It was formed in 2005 by Manchester United supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover of the...
and Great Harwood Town
Great Harwood Town F.C.
Great Harwood Town F.C. was a football club based in Great Harwood, Lancashire, England. They joined the Lancashire Combination in 1979 and made their way up to the Northern Premier League Division One during the early 1990s. However after spending most of the decade in the league they were...
on 23 April 2006. The following season, due mainly to the relatively large support for FC united of Manchester, saw attendances rise and included a record 4,058 for an evening match, with Salford City
Salford City F.C.
Salford City F.C. are a semi-professional football club based in the Kersal area of Salford, Greater Manchester, England. They are the only semi-professional side in the City of Salford, with Manchester United the closest league club. Salford City currently play in the Northern Premier League...
's Division One home game against FC United of Manchester.
The NWCFL has two cup competitions – the League Cup which is open to all clubs and the First Division Trophy. The league also runs a reserve league which consists of a single division of sixteen clubs, which also has a dedicated League Cup. From 1990–91 to 1999–2000 the league also ran a Floodlit Trophy competition.
1982–87
The league was formed with three divisions.| Season | Division One | Division Two | Division Three |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982–83 | Burscough Burscough F.C. Burscough F.C. is an English football club based in Burscough, Lancashire. The club are members of the Northern Premier League Premier Division and groundshare with Skelmersdale United... |
Radcliffe Borough Radcliffe Borough F.C. Radcliffe Borough F.C. is an English football club based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester. The club was formed on 24 April 1949 and currently plays in the Northern Premier League Division One North... |
Colne Dynamoes Colne Dynamoes F.C. Colne Dynamoes F.C. was a football club based in Colne, Lancashire, England. After spending much of their existence in the lower reaches of Non-League football, heavy financial investment by millionaire chairman-manager, Graham White, saw the club rise rapidly through the leagues in the late 1980s... |
| 1983–84 | Stalybridge Celtic Stalybridge Celtic F.C. Stalybridge Celtic are an English full time professional football club from Stalybridge, Greater Manchester in North West England. The club, which plays its home matches at Bower Fold, is currently in the Conference North in the sixth tier of the English football league system... |
Fleetwood Town Fleetwood Town F.C. Fleetwood Town F.C. is an English football club based in Fleetwood, Lancashire. They currently play in the Conference National having been defeated in the Conference National play-off semi-final by AFC Wimbledon in the 2010–11 season.-History:... |
Clitheroe Clitheroe F.C. Clitheroe F.C. are an English football club based in Clitheroe, Lancashire, playing in the Northern Premier League Division One North. They were established in 1877 as Clitheroe Central... |
| 1984–85 | Radcliffe Borough Radcliffe Borough F.C. Radcliffe Borough F.C. is an English football club based in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester. The club was formed on 24 April 1949 and currently plays in the Northern Premier League Division One North... |
Clitheroe Clitheroe F.C. Clitheroe F.C. are an English football club based in Clitheroe, Lancashire, playing in the Northern Premier League Division One North. They were established in 1877 as Clitheroe Central... |
Kirkby Town Knowsley United F.C. Knowsley United was an English football club based in Huyton, Merseyside. Originally named Kirkby Town they folded in 1997.-History:Kirkby Town joined the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination in 1963. In 1966–67 they won the division, and were promoted to the First Division. In 1969–70... |
| 1985–86 | Clitheroe Clitheroe F.C. Clitheroe F.C. are an English football club based in Clitheroe, Lancashire, playing in the Northern Premier League Division One North. They were established in 1877 as Clitheroe Central... |
Kirkby Town Knowsley United F.C. Knowsley United was an English football club based in Huyton, Merseyside. Originally named Kirkby Town they folded in 1997.-History:Kirkby Town joined the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination in 1963. In 1966–67 they won the division, and were promoted to the First Division. In 1969–70... |
Blackpool Mechanics Blackpool Mechanics F.C. A.F.C. Blackpool are an English football club based in Blackpool, Lancashire, currently playing in the North West Counties League Premier Division. Their home ground is Jepson Way and they are nicknamed "The Mechs". They played at Stanley Park Arena before moving to their current ground. They are... |
| 1986–87 | Stalybridge Celtic Stalybridge Celtic F.C. Stalybridge Celtic are an English full time professional football club from Stalybridge, Greater Manchester in North West England. The club, which plays its home matches at Bower Fold, is currently in the Conference North in the sixth tier of the English football league system... |
Droylsden Droylsden F.C. Droylsden F.C. is an English football club based in Droylsden, near Manchester. As of the 2011–12 season, they play in the Conference North.-History:... |
Atherton Collieries Atherton Collieries F.C. Atherton Collieries A.F.C. is an English football club based in Atherton in Greater Manchester. The club currently plays in the North West Counties League First Division, the tenth tier of English football, and is a full member of the Lancashire County Football Association.Between 1919 and 1965... |
1987–2008
Due to the expansion of the Northern Premier League, and the withdrawal of clubs who could no longer meet the ground requirements, the third division was disbanded and a two division format instigated, a format that still remains in place.| Season | Division One | Division Two |
|---|---|---|
| 1987–88 | Colne Dynamoes Colne Dynamoes F.C. Colne Dynamoes F.C. was a football club based in Colne, Lancashire, England. After spending much of their existence in the lower reaches of Non-League football, heavy financial investment by millionaire chairman-manager, Graham White, saw the club rise rapidly through the leagues in the late 1980s... |
Ashton United Ashton United F.C. Ashton United Football Club is an English football club, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.-History:The club was originally founded in 1878 as Hurst F.C. and the earliest known match report dates back to March 1879. By 1880 the club were playing at Hurst Cross, their current ground.... |
| 1988–89 | Rossendale United Rossendale United F.C. Rossendale United F.C. was an English football club based in Newchurch, near Rawtenstall, Lancashire. The club was formed in 1898 but was expelled from the North West Counties League Premier Division on 18 June 2011.... |
Vauxhall G M Vauxhall Motors F.C. Vauxhall Motors Football Club is an English football club based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, who play in the Conference North. It was originally the works team of the car manufacturer Vauxhall... |
| 1989–90 | Warrington Town Warrington Town F.C. Warrington Town F.C. are a football club based in Warrington, Cheshire, England. They were established in 1949 under the name of Stockton Heath Albion. In 1961, they changed to their present name... |
Maine Road Maine Road F.C. Maine Road F.C. are an English football club, based in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division and are members of the Manchester Football Association... |
| 1990–91 | Knowsley United Knowsley United F.C. Knowsley United was an English football club based in Huyton, Merseyside. Originally named Kirkby Town they folded in 1997.-History:Kirkby Town joined the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination in 1963. In 1966–67 they won the division, and were promoted to the First Division. In 1969–70... |
Great Harwood Town Great Harwood Town F.C. Great Harwood Town F.C. was a football club based in Great Harwood, Lancashire, England. They joined the Lancashire Combination in 1979 and made their way up to the Northern Premier League Division One during the early 1990s. However after spending most of the decade in the league they were... |
| 1991–92 | Ashton United Ashton United F.C. Ashton United Football Club is an English football club, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.-History:The club was originally founded in 1878 as Hurst F.C. and the earliest known match report dates back to March 1879. By 1880 the club were playing at Hurst Cross, their current ground.... |
Bamber Bridge Bamber Bridge F.C. Bamber Bridge F.C. are an English football club based in Bamber Bridge, near Preston, Lancashire. They currently play in the Northern Premier League Division One North and are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association. They play their home games at the QED Stadium in Bamber Bridge... |
| 1992–93 | Atherton Laburnum Rovers Atherton Laburnum Rovers F.C. Atherton Laburnum Rovers F.C. are an English football club based in Atherton in Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Crilly Park, Spa Road. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division... |
Maghull Maghull F.C. Maghull F.C. are an English association football club based in Maghull, Merseyside. They currently play in the West Cheshire League. In 1981–82 they reached the 3rd round of the FA Vase.-History:... |
| 1993–94 | Atherton Laburnum Rovers Atherton Laburnum Rovers F.C. Atherton Laburnum Rovers F.C. are an English football club based in Atherton in Greater Manchester. They play their home matches at Crilly Park, Spa Road. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division... |
Haslingden Haslingden F.C. Haslingden F.C. was a football club based in Rossendale, Lancashire. In 1994, they won the North West Counties Football League Division Two. Haslingden played at Ewood Bridge, later used by Stand Athletic and were members of the North West Counties League between 1993 and 1998... |
| 1994–95 | Bradford Park Avenue | Flixton Flixton F.C. Flixton F.C. are an English football club based in Flixton, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division and are members of the Manchester Football Association. They play their home games at Valley Road in Flixton.-History:The club was formed... |
| 1995–96 | Flixton Flixton F.C. Flixton F.C. are an English football club based in Flixton, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division and are members of the Manchester Football Association. They play their home games at Valley Road in Flixton.-History:The club was formed... |
Vauxhall G M Vauxhall Motors F.C. Vauxhall Motors Football Club is an English football club based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, who play in the Conference North. It was originally the works team of the car manufacturer Vauxhall... |
| 1996–97 | Trafford Trafford F.C. Trafford F.C. is an English football club based in Flixton, Greater Manchester. The club are currently members of Division One North of the Northern Premier League and play at Shawe View.-History:... |
Ramsbottom United Ramsbottom United F.C. Ramsbottom United F.C. are an English football club based in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. Their home stadium is the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, Acrebottom, Ramsbottom and their nickname is The Rams... |
| 1997–98 | Kidsgrove Athletic Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. is an English football club based in based in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, England currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South... |
Oldham Town Oldham Town F.C. Oldham Boro Football Club is an English association football club based in Oldham, Greater Manchester, England. They are currently members of Division One of the North West Counties League.-History:... |
| 1998–99 | Workington | Fleetwood Freeport Fleetwood Town F.C. Fleetwood Town F.C. is an English football club based in Fleetwood, Lancashire. They currently play in the Conference National having been defeated in the Conference National play-off semi-final by AFC Wimbledon in the 2010–11 season.-History:... |
| 1999–00 | Vauxhall Motors Vauxhall Motors F.C. Vauxhall Motors Football Club is an English football club based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, who play in the Conference North. It was originally the works team of the car manufacturer Vauxhall... |
Woodley Sports Woodley Sports F.C. Woodley Sports F.C. is a football club based in Woodley, Stockport, Greater Manchester, England. They were established in 1970 as Woodley Athletic, and play at the Neil Rourke Memorial Stadium. In 1992, they became champions of the Manchester League Division One, and were promoted to the Manchester... |
| 2000–01 | Rossendale United Rossendale United F.C. Rossendale United F.C. was an English football club based in Newchurch, near Rawtenstall, Lancashire. The club was formed in 1898 but was expelled from the North West Counties League Premier Division on 18 June 2011.... |
Warrington Town Warrington Town F.C. Warrington Town F.C. are a football club based in Warrington, Cheshire, England. They were established in 1949 under the name of Stockton Heath Albion. In 1961, they changed to their present name... |
| 2001–02 | Kidsgrove Athletic Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. is an English football club based in based in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, England currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South... |
Stand Athletic Stand Athletic F.C. Stand Athletic F.C. is a football club based in Whitefield, Greater Manchester, England. In 1993, they joined the Manchester League, and moved to the North West Counties League in 2001... |
| 2002–03 | Prescot Cables Prescot Cables F.C. Prescot Cables F.C. is a football club based in Prescot, Merseyside. It was established in 1884 and has also been known as Prescot and Prescot Town... |
Bacup Borough Bacup Borough F.C. Bacup Borough F.C. are an English football club based at West View in Bacup, Lancashire. They currently play in the North West Counties League Premier Division and are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association. They play at the The Brian Boys West View Stadium... |
| 2003–04 | Clitheroe Clitheroe F.C. Clitheroe F.C. are an English football club based in Clitheroe, Lancashire, playing in the Northern Premier League Division One North. They were established in 1877 as Clitheroe Central... |
Colne Colne F.C. Colne Football Club are an English football club based at the Holt House Stadium in Colne, Lancashire. They were established in 1996 and were elected straight into the North West Counties League. They are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association.-History:There used to be a club... |
| 2004–05 | Fleetwood Town Fleetwood Town F.C. Fleetwood Town F.C. is an English football club based in Fleetwood, Lancashire. They currently play in the Conference National having been defeated in the Conference National play-off semi-final by AFC Wimbledon in the 2010–11 season.-History:... |
Cammell Laird Cammell Laird F.C. Cammell Laird Football Club is an English Semi Professional football club based in Birkenhead, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the Northern Premier League Division One North, The 8th Tier of English Football, and play at the Kirklands Stadium.... |
| 2005–06 | Cammell Laird Cammell Laird F.C. Cammell Laird Football Club is an English Semi Professional football club based in Birkenhead, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the Northern Premier League Division One North, The 8th Tier of English Football, and play at the Kirklands Stadium.... |
FC United of Manchester F.C. United of Manchester F.C. United of Manchester is an English semi-professional football club based in Bury, Greater Manchester that plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. It was formed in 2005 by Manchester United supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover of the... |
| 2006–07 | FC United of Manchester F.C. United of Manchester F.C. United of Manchester is an English semi-professional football club based in Bury, Greater Manchester that plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. It was formed in 2005 by Manchester United supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover of the... |
Winsford United Winsford United F.C. Winsford United Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Winsford, Cheshire, England. The club was founded in 1883 and is nicknamed The Blues... |
| 2007–08 | Trafford Trafford F.C. Trafford F.C. is an English football club based in Flixton, Greater Manchester. The club are currently members of Division One North of the Northern Premier League and play at Shawe View.-History:... |
New Mills New Mills A.F.C. New Mills Association Football Club are an English football club based in New Mills, Derbyshire. They currently play in Northern Premier League Division One South.-History:... |
2008–present
In the 2008–09 season, the league renamed their divisions to the Premier Division and First Division.| Season | Premier Division | First Division |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–09 2008–09 North West Counties Football League The 2008–09 North West Counties Football League season was the 26th in the history of the North West Counties Football League, a football competition in England... |
AFC Fylde A.F.C. Fylde A.F.C. Fylde is a football club based at Warton in the Borough of Fylde in the English county of Lancashire. The club were known as Kirkham & Wesham F.C. until the end of the 2007-08 season... |
Bootle Bootle F.C. Bootle Football Club is an English football club based in Bootle, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the North West Counties League Premier Division and play at New Bucks Park.-Previous clubs in Bootle:... |
| 2009–10 2009–10 North West Counties Football League The 2009–10 North West Counties Football League season was the 27th in the history of the North West Counties Football League, a football competition in England... |
Newcastle Town Newcastle Town F.C. Newcastle Town F.C. are an English football club based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. They play in the Northern Premier League First Division South. They are full members of the Staffordshire Football Association.-History:... |
Stone Dominoes Stone Dominoes F.C. Stone Dominoes F.C. are a football club based in Stone, Staffordshire.-History:The club was established in 1987 and joined the Midland League Division Two in 1995. They reached the 5th round of the FA Vase in 2003–04 season. They are currently members of the North West Counties Football League... |
| 2010–11 2010–11 North West Counties Football League The 2010–11 North West Counties Football League season is the 28th in the history of the North West Counties Football League, a football competition in England... |
New Mills New Mills A.F.C. New Mills Association Football Club are an English football club based in New Mills, Derbyshire. They currently play in Northern Premier League Division One South.-History:... |
AFC Blackpool |
League Cup winners
The NWCFL League Cup is for all members of the Premier and First divisions.- 1982–83 - DarwenDarwen F.C.A.F.C. Darwen is a football club from Darwen in Lancashire, North West England. The team, formed in 1870 as Darwen F.C., currently play in the Division One of the North West Counties League. They play their home games at the Anchor Ground.-History:...
- 1983–84 - Ellesmere Port & Neston
- 1984–85 - Leek TownLeek Town F.C.Leek Town Football Club is an English football club based in Leek, Staffordshire, currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South...
- 1985–86 - Warrington TownWarrington Town F.C.Warrington Town F.C. are a football club based in Warrington, Cheshire, England. They were established in 1949 under the name of Stockton Heath Albion. In 1961, they changed to their present name...
- 1986–87 - Colne DynamoesColne Dynamoes F.C.Colne Dynamoes F.C. was a football club based in Colne, Lancashire, England. After spending much of their existence in the lower reaches of Non-League football, heavy financial investment by millionaire chairman-manager, Graham White, saw the club rise rapidly through the leagues in the late 1980s...
- 1987–88 - Warrington TownWarrington Town F.C.Warrington Town F.C. are a football club based in Warrington, Cheshire, England. They were established in 1949 under the name of Stockton Heath Albion. In 1961, they changed to their present name...
- 1988–89 - Colwyn BayColwyn Bay F.C.Colwyn Bay F.C. are a Welsh football club, as of the 2011–12 season are playing in the Conference North. Nicknamed the Seagulls, the club play at Llanelian Road in Old Colwyn.-History:...
- 1989–90 - Knowsley UnitedKnowsley United F.C.Knowsley United was an English football club based in Huyton, Merseyside. Originally named Kirkby Town they folded in 1997.-History:Kirkby Town joined the Second Division of the Lancashire Combination in 1963. In 1966–67 they won the division, and were promoted to the First Division. In 1969–70...
- 1990–91 - Vauxhall GMVauxhall Motors F.C.Vauxhall Motors Football Club is an English football club based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, who play in the Conference North. It was originally the works team of the car manufacturer Vauxhall...
- 1991–92 - Ashton UnitedAshton United F.C.Ashton United Football Club is an English football club, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.-History:The club was originally founded in 1878 as Hurst F.C. and the earliest known match report dates back to March 1879. By 1880 the club were playing at Hurst Cross, their current ground....
- 1992–93 - BurscoughBurscough F.C.Burscough F.C. is an English football club based in Burscough, Lancashire. The club are members of the Northern Premier League Premier Division and groundshare with Skelmersdale United...
- 1993–94 - Rossendale UnitedRossendale United F.C.Rossendale United F.C. was an English football club based in Newchurch, near Rawtenstall, Lancashire. The club was formed in 1898 but was expelled from the North West Counties League Premier Division on 18 June 2011....
- 1994–95 - Nantwich TownNantwich Town F.C.Nantwich Town Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Nantwich, Cheshire, England. The club was founded in 1884 and is nicknamed The Dabbers. The club is currently a member of the Northern Premier League Premier Division, with home matches played at the Weaver Stadium.Nantwich...
- 1995–96 - BurscoughBurscough F.C.Burscough F.C. is an English football club based in Burscough, Lancashire. The club are members of the Northern Premier League Premier Division and groundshare with Skelmersdale United...
- 1996–97 - Newcastle TownNewcastle Town F.C.Newcastle Town F.C. are an English football club based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. They play in the Northern Premier League First Division South. They are full members of the Staffordshire Football Association.-History:...
- 1997–98 - Kidsgrove AthleticKidsgrove Athletic F.C.Kidsgrove Athletic F.C. is an English football club based in based in Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, England currently playing in the Northern Premier League Division One South...
- 1998–99 - Vauxhall GMVauxhall Motors F.C.Vauxhall Motors Football Club is an English football club based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, who play in the Conference North. It was originally the works team of the car manufacturer Vauxhall...
- 1999–2000 - Skelmersdale UnitedSkelmersdale United F.C.Skelmersdale United F.C. are a football club from Skelmersdale, West Lancashire competing in the Northern Premier League Division One North. The club is a member of both the Liverpool F.A. and the Lancashire County Football Association.-The first 75 years:...
- 2000–01 - FormbyFormby F.C.Formby F.C. are an English football club based in Formby, Merseyside. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Division One and are members of the Liverpool County Football Association...
- 2001–02 - Prescot CablesPrescot Cables F.C.Prescot Cables F.C. is a football club based in Prescot, Merseyside. It was established in 1884 and has also been known as Prescot and Prescot Town...
- 2002–03 - Mossley
- 2003–04 - Bacup BoroughBacup Borough F.C.Bacup Borough F.C. are an English football club based at West View in Bacup, Lancashire. They currently play in the North West Counties League Premier Division and are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association. They play at the The Brian Boys West View Stadium...
- 2004–05 - Cammell LairdCammell Laird F.C.Cammell Laird Football Club is an English Semi Professional football club based in Birkenhead, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the Northern Premier League Division One North, The 8th Tier of English Football, and play at the Kirklands Stadium....
- 2005–06 - Salford CitySalford City F.C.Salford City F.C. are a semi-professional football club based in the Kersal area of Salford, Greater Manchester, England. They are the only semi-professional side in the City of Salford, with Manchester United the closest league club. Salford City currently play in the Northern Premier League...
- 2006–07 - F.C. United of ManchesterF.C. United of ManchesterF.C. United of Manchester is an English semi-professional football club based in Bury, Greater Manchester that plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. It was formed in 2005 by Manchester United supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover of the...
- 2007–08 - Maine RoadMaine Road F.C.Maine Road F.C. are an English football club, based in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division and are members of the Manchester Football Association...
- 2008–09 - New Mills
- 2009–10 - Abbey HeyAbbey HeyAbbey Hey is an area of Gorton, in the city of Manchester, England. It is known mainly for Debdale Park and Wright Robinson College.It forms part of the electoral ward of Gorton North, which in itself forms part of the Manchester Gorton parliamentary constituency...
- 2010–11 - Winsford UnitedWinsford United F.C.Winsford United Football Club is a semi-professional football club based in Winsford, Cheshire, England. The club was founded in 1883 and is nicknamed The Blues...
First Division Trophy winners
The First Division Trophy is for all members of the First Division. It was known as the Second Division Trophy from 1989 to 2008.- 1989–90 - Great Harwood TownGreat Harwood Town F.C.Great Harwood Town F.C. was a football club based in Great Harwood, Lancashire, England. They joined the Lancashire Combination in 1979 and made their way up to the Northern Premier League Division One during the early 1990s. However after spending most of the decade in the league they were...
- 1990–91 - GlossopGlossop North End A.F.C.Glossop North End A.F.C. are an English football club based in Glossop, Derbyshire. Former members of the Football League, they are currently in the North West Counties League and are members of the Derbyshire County Football Association. They play their home matches at Surrey Street, which has a...
- 1991–92 - Newcastle TownNewcastle Town F.C.Newcastle Town F.C. are an English football club based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. They play in the Northern Premier League First Division South. They are full members of the Staffordshire Football Association.-History:...
- 1992–93 - Stantondale
- 1993–94 - North Trafford
- 1994–95 - FormbyFormby F.C.Formby F.C. are an English football club based in Formby, Merseyside. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Division One and are members of the Liverpool County Football Association...
- 1995–96 - Ramsbottom UnitedRamsbottom United F.C.Ramsbottom United F.C. are an English football club based in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division. Their home stadium is the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, Acrebottom, Ramsbottom and their nickname is The Rams...
- 1996–97 - NelsonNelson F.C.Nelson F.C. are an English football club, based in Nelson, Lancashire. They are currently members of the North West Counties Football League Division One, who played their home matches at Victoria Park, Lomeshaye Way. They are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association.-Early years:...
- 1997–98 - Tetley Walker
- 1998–99 - Fleetwood FreeportFleetwood Town F.C.Fleetwood Town F.C. is an English football club based in Fleetwood, Lancashire. They currently play in the Conference National having been defeated in the Conference National play-off semi-final by AFC Wimbledon in the 2010–11 season.-History:...
- 1999–2000 - Warrington TownWarrington Town F.C.Warrington Town F.C. are a football club based in Warrington, Cheshire, England. They were established in 1949 under the name of Stockton Heath Albion. In 1961, they changed to their present name...
- 2000–01 - Squires GateSquires Gate F.C.Squires Gate Football Club are a football club based in Squires Gate, Blackpool, Lancashire, England formed in 1948. After spending thirty years in the West Lancashire League in 1991 they were elected to the North West Counties Football League Division Two and are currently in the Premier Division...
- 2001–02 - No competition
- 2002–03 - Stone DominoesStone Dominoes F.C.Stone Dominoes F.C. are a football club based in Stone, Staffordshire.-History:The club was established in 1987 and joined the Midland League Division Two in 1995. They reached the 5th round of the FA Vase in 2003–04 season. They are currently members of the North West Counties Football League...
- 2003–04 - ColneColne F.C.Colne Football Club are an English football club based at the Holt House Stadium in Colne, Lancashire. They were established in 1996 and were elected straight into the North West Counties League. They are full members of the Lancashire County Football Association.-History:There used to be a club...
- 2004–05 - Cammell LairdCammell Laird F.C.Cammell Laird Football Club is an English Semi Professional football club based in Birkenhead, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the Northern Premier League Division One North, The 8th Tier of English Football, and play at the Kirklands Stadium....
- 2005–06 - FlixtonFlixton F.C.Flixton F.C. are an English football club based in Flixton, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division and are members of the Manchester Football Association. They play their home games at Valley Road in Flixton.-History:The club was formed...
- 2006–07 - New Mills
- 2007–08 - Kirkham & WeshamA.F.C. FyldeA.F.C. Fylde is a football club based at Warton in the Borough of Fylde in the English county of Lancashire. The club were known as Kirkham & Wesham F.C. until the end of the 2007-08 season...
- 2008–09 - AFC LiverpoolA.F.C. LiverpoolA.F.C. Liverpool is a semi-professional English football club set up by 1,000 Liverpool football club fans in 2008. Fans are able to buy into the club on a 'one member-one vote' basis. The club kicked off the 2010–11 season in North West Counties League Division One...
- 2009–10 - AFC LiverpoolA.F.C. LiverpoolA.F.C. Liverpool is a semi-professional English football club set up by 1,000 Liverpool football club fans in 2008. Fans are able to buy into the club on a 'one member-one vote' basis. The club kicked off the 2010–11 season in North West Counties League Division One...
- 2010–11 - Atherton Collieries
Floodlit Trophy winners
The NWCFL Floodlit Trophy was for all members of the Premier and First divisions.- 1990–91 - Colwyn BayColwyn Bay F.C.Colwyn Bay F.C. are a Welsh football club, as of the 2011–12 season are playing in the Conference North. Nicknamed the Seagulls, the club play at Llanelian Road in Old Colwyn.-History:...
- 1991–92 - Great Harwood TownGreat Harwood Town F.C.Great Harwood Town F.C. was a football club based in Great Harwood, Lancashire, England. They joined the Lancashire Combination in 1979 and made their way up to the Northern Premier League Division One during the early 1990s. However after spending most of the decade in the league they were...
- 1992–93 - Newcastle TownNewcastle Town F.C.Newcastle Town F.C. are an English football club based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. They play in the Northern Premier League First Division South. They are full members of the Staffordshire Football Association.-History:...
- 1993–94 - BootleBootle F.C.Bootle Football Club is an English football club based in Bootle, Merseyside. The club are currently members of the North West Counties League Premier Division and play at New Bucks Park.-Previous clubs in Bootle:...
- 1994–95 - PenrithPenrith F.C.Penrith F.C. is an football club based in Penrith, England founded in 1894. They originally joined the North Eastern League in 1907–08, and are currently members of the Northern League Division One....
- 1995–96 - Newcastle TownNewcastle Town F.C.Newcastle Town F.C. are an English football club based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. They play in the Northern Premier League First Division South. They are full members of the Staffordshire Football Association.-History:...
- 1996–97 - Colwyn BayPenrith F.C.Penrith F.C. is an football club based in Penrith, England founded in 1894. They originally joined the North Eastern League in 1907–08, and are currently members of the Northern League Division One....
- 1997–98 - BurscoughBurscough F.C.Burscough F.C. is an English football club based in Burscough, Lancashire. The club are members of the Northern Premier League Premier Division and groundshare with Skelmersdale United...
- 1998–99 - ClitheroeClitheroe F.C.Clitheroe F.C. are an English football club based in Clitheroe, Lancashire, playing in the Northern Premier League Division One North. They were established in 1877 as Clitheroe Central...
- 1999–2000 - Vauxhall MotorsVauxhall Motors F.C.Vauxhall Motors Football Club is an English football club based in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, who play in the Conference North. It was originally the works team of the car manufacturer Vauxhall...