FA announce allocations for 2026/2027

The FA has released the list of teams allocated to Step 5 and 6 for the National League System – our first and second divisions.

Step 5 – Northern League First Division

Bishop Auckland, Blyth Town and Newton Aycliffe will return to our First Division having been playing in the Northern Premier League – East Division in 2025/26 and finishing in the bottom four. They will be joined by Redcar Town and Yarm & Eaglescliffe who are promoted from our Second division. Northallerton Town have been given a reprieve from relegation and will also remain in the First Division, meaning no team is relegated to our Second Division.

The division will run with 22 teams for the upcoming season.

Step 6 – Northern League Second Division

Seaton Carew are promoted from the Wearside League and will play in the National League System for the first time at their Hornby Park ground. They will be joined by Stokesley Sports Club from the North Riding Football League. Stokesley are rejoining the league having been relegated at the end of the 2015/2016 season

Boldon C.A. and Prudhoe YC Seniors have been given reprieves from relegation after finishing third and second bottom respectively, whilst we say goodbye to Esh Winning who will drop down and play in the regional feeder leagues next season.

The division will run with 20 teams for the upcoming season.

League chairman Glenn Youngman said:

“We’re delighted to welcome new teams and those returning teams to the league. I’m sure they will be made to feel very welcome as they readjust to Step 5/6 football.

“We also send out our best wishes to those teams stepping up into the Northern Premier League which we are sure will bring fresh experiences and new friends to those clubs.

“Finally, whilst we never like to see clubs relegated unfortunately this is a part of football and we hope that Esh Winning can thrive in the regional feeder league and we hope to see them back in the league in the near future.”