Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Abacus Lighting Central Midlands Alliance League stands as a notable fixture in English non-league football, created from the merger with the Midland Regional Alliance in 2023. The league represents an important competitive platform for clubs in the Central Midlands region, offering structured play with comprehensive rules updated for the 2024-25 season.
Under the leadership of President Mr. Peter Whitehead JP and several Vice-Presidents appointed in 2023, the league has established clear operational guidelines for participating clubs. These include standardized codes of rules, transfer protocols, and player registration requirements that ensure fair competition throughout the season.
For clubs looking to advance through the English football pyramid, this league provides essential structure and organization. With designated cup competitions running alongside regular league fixtures, teams have multiple opportunities to showcase their talents and build community support as they progress through the ranks of non-league football.
History
The Central Midlands Alliance League has its roots in the South Derbyshire League, which was formed in 1971. This regional football competition has grown to cover the northeast-central part of England, providing structured league play for clubs in this area.
In 2023, the league underwent a significant transformation with the establishment of the Central Midlands Alliance. This reorganization brought new leadership and direction to the competition.
The league's current governance structure includes President Mr. Peter Whitehead JP, who took on the role in 2023. Several Vice-Presidents were also appointed in the same year, including Mr. Eddie Pearce, RH Swan, Mr. John Edwards, and Mr. Mel Williams.
Abacus Lighting became the title sponsor of the league, creating the officially named "Abacus Lighting Central Midlands Alliance League." This sponsorship has been instrumental in supporting the league's operations and growth.
The competition features multiple divisions, including junior levels where teams compete for honors such as the Mel Williams Division 2 Junior Cup. This multi-tiered structure allows clubs of varying sizes and capabilities to participate in appropriate competitions.
Throughout its history, the league has maintained detailed records of matches, with fixture lists, results tables, and statistics available for teams, officials, and supporters. This commitment to organization has helped establish the league as a respected competition in English non-league football.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Abacus Lighting Central Midlands Alliance League features a structured divisional system primarily focused on open age football. The league is organized into several tiers with geographic divisions to minimize travel for competing teams.
At the top level, the league operates with the Black Dragon Premier Division North and Black Dragon Premier Division South. These premier divisions represent the highest level of competition within the league structure.
Below the premier divisions, the league includes multiple Division 1 sections organized by region: North, South, Central, and East/West. This regional approach allows for more localized competition while maintaining competitive standards.
The league structure extends further to include Division 2, providing a pathway for clubs looking to progress through the football pyramid. Each division typically consists of approximately 16 clubs per section.
The geographic split between North and South divisions is a key feature of the league's organization, allowing teams to compete against others in their region before potentially advancing to higher levels of competition.
While primarily focused on open age football, the divisional structure creates a clear competitive hierarchy. Teams can move between divisions based on performance, creating opportunities for promotion and relegation within the league system.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Abacus Lighting Central Midlands Alliance League, established in 2023, is managed by a dedicated committee ensuring smooth operations across the league. The leadership structure includes several key positions filled by experienced individuals committed to football administration.
Paul Vallis serves as the Chairman and can be reached at 01773 606581 or 07947 443158. His email address is cmflchair@gmail.com. This provides direct communication for clubs requiring guidance or information from league leadership.
Eddie Pearce is also part of the management team and can be contacted via mobile at 07796 636565 or by email at eddie-pearce@hotmail.com. He contributes to the league's disciplinary matters, handling important regulatory aspects.
The league's governance structure also includes Mr. P.A. Baugh as President. Multiple Vice-Presidents support leadership functions, including Mr. S. Wilton, Mr. P. Whitehead, and Mr. E. Pearce.
A Disciplinary Committee exists within the organization to handle regulatory compliance and maintain fair play standards throughout the competition. This committee ensures all clubs adhere to league rules and sporting values.
For the 2023-24 season, the league continues to provide comprehensive support to member clubs including Dinnington Town J.F.C. and others across the Central Midlands region.
Teams
The Abacus Lighting Central Midlands Alliance League features multiple teams competing across different divisions. The league structure includes the Black Dragon Premier Division North, which serves as one of the main competitive categories.
Teams in the league primarily come from the central Midlands region of England, creating local rivalries and competitive matches throughout the season.
Some clubs that previously competed in the Central Midlands League and the Midland Regional Alliance joined the new alliance when the leagues merged in 2023. This consolidation brought together teams from both organizations under a unified competitive structure.
Several teams in the league have connections to the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior Football League, indicating the interconnected nature of football in the region.
The league represents an important step in the English football pyramid for participating clubs. Teams compete not only for league position but also potentially for promotion to higher levels of the football system.
Match fixtures typically follow the traditional football season calendar, with teams playing home and away fixtures against other clubs in their division. This balanced schedule ensures fairness in competition throughout the season.
Players
The Abacus Lighting Central Midlands Alliance League attracts a diverse range of players from across the northeast-central region of England. The league serves as a competitive platform for footballers at various skill levels.
Player registration for the 2024-25 season is currently open, with dedicated registration forms available for clubs to process new signings. The transfer system is also operational, allowing movement between clubs within the league structure.
Several notable players have competed in this league before moving on to professional careers. The league has traditionally served as a development ground for young talent looking to progress through the English football pyramid.
Teams in the league typically maintain squads of 18-25 players, with a mix of experienced veterans and developing youth prospects. Local talent is particularly valued, with many clubs maintaining strong connections to their community roots.
The league has attracted some attention for occasionally featuring former professional players looking to extend their careers. Names like Ross McCormack, Charlie Mulgrew, Scott McLaughlin and Wes have been associated with clubs in similar regional leagues.
Player eligibility and registration rules are strictly enforced to maintain competitive balance across the divisions. The league administration oversees all player movements to ensure compliance with established regulations.
