Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League stands as a cornerstone of English non-league football, offering competitive play across multiple divisions in the southeast of England. Currently operating with a Premier Division North and other sections, this league has become an important stepping stone for clubs aiming to climb the English football pyramid. Over its history, the competition has evolved while maintaining its community focus and developmental role.
The league has undergone several sponsorship changes throughout its existence, previously being known as the DAN AIR League, PARASOL League, Courage League, and Seagrave Haulage League before securing its current partnership with Cherry Red Records. This stability in sponsorship has helped strengthen the league's position in English football's competitive structure while providing essential financial support to participating clubs.
Competitions like the Premier Challenge Cup add additional competitive opportunities for teams within the league framework, creating excitement beyond regular league matches. The Combined Counties Football League continues to nurture talent and provide a platform for clubs with ambitions of progressing to higher levels of the English football system.
History
The Combined Counties Football League was founded in 1922 as the London & District Combination Football League. This regional football competition has a long and storied presence in English football.
The league underwent a name change from its original title to become the Combined Counties Football League, which better represented its geographical coverage beyond just London.
Cherry Red Records currently serves as the title sponsor, giving the competition its official name: the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League. This sponsorship has helped increase the visibility of the league within the English football pyramid.
The 2023-24 season marked the 46th in the history of the Combined Counties Football League. Throughout its existence, the league has provided a competitive platform for clubs in the region.
The competition has evolved over the decades, adapting to changes in the English football structure while maintaining its importance as a pathway for clubs looking to progress through the pyramid system.
Teams from various counties participate in the league, creating a diverse competitive environment that brings together clubs from different communities across the region.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League currently operates with multiple divisions across different age groups. The league structure includes Premier Division North, Premier Division South, and Division One as its main competitive tiers.
Some sources indicate the league comprises 59-63 teams spread across these divisions, though the exact number may vary by season as clubs are promoted, relegated, or reorganized.
The league also features age-specific competitions, including Under-23 and Under-18 categories. The U18 section is further divided into regional groups, with the Tony Ford U18 Division East being one specific example.
For development purposes, the league maintains the John Bennett Development Division, which provides competitive opportunities for emerging teams and players.
The current structure represents significant growth from the league's origins as a single division. This expansion reflects the league's importance in the English football pyramid, particularly at the regional level.
Teams within these divisions compete not only in league fixtures but also participate in various cup competitions throughout the season, creating a comprehensive competitive structure for clubs of different sizes and capabilities.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League is managed by a dedicated committee responsible for overseeing all league operations. This committee includes representatives who may serve on the main board or various sub-committees.
League governance follows standard football association structures, with members potentially serving on commissions that may include council members not on the main committee. These positions ensure proper administration of the league across its divisions.
The league maintains regular communication channels for clubs, officials, and supporters. Contact information for key personnel is typically available through official league channels.
Committee members handle various responsibilities including fixtures, disciplinary matters, and competition rules. Their work ensures smooth operation across both the Premier Division North and Division One competitions.
The league structure includes representation from county football associations, providing important links to the broader football governance system in south-eastern England. This connection helps maintain standards across the regional football pyramid.
For specific contact information or current committee members, interested parties should refer to the official Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League website or official publications.
Teams
The Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League currently comprises 63 teams spread across three divisions: Premier Division North, Premier Division South, and Division One. This structure represents an expansion from the league's initial format as a single division.
Premier Division North and Premier Division South serve as the top tiers of the league, operating at step 5 of the National League System. Division One functions as the third tier, sitting at step 6 in the football pyramid.
Notable teams in the league include:
- Amersham Town: Currently leading with 32 games played
- Egham Town: In second position with 30 games played
- Bedfont Sports: Holding third place with 29 games played
- Holyport: Having completed 33 games so far
The 2021-22 season marked a significant change in the league's structure, being the first time teams were divided into three divisions in the league's 44-year history.
The league features a promotion system, with play-offs determining advancement to higher tiers. For example, the 2023-24 play-off semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, May 4th, with Jersey among the participating teams.
Teams in the Combined Counties Football League are members of the National League System and are affiliated with the Football Association, ensuring they operate within the official English football structure.
Players
The Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Football League features numerous talented players across its member clubs. Based on the search results, we can identify several players currently registered with teams in the league.
Some notable players from Balham include James Adebayo, James Anderson, Thomas Appleton, Gabriel Baion, and Jack, demonstrating the depth of talent at this particular club.
At another club in the league, players such as Ryan Austin, Michael Bampoh, Remy Bashir, Callum Brennan, and Cameron represent their team with distinction on the pitch.
The league serves as an important developmental platform for footballers in southeastern England, covering regions including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Hampshire.
Player performance significantly influences team standings in the league table. Currently, Amersham Town, Egham Town, Bedfont Sports, and Holyport occupy the top positions, suggesting these clubs have assembled particularly effective squads.
The competitive nature of the league requires players to maintain high performance levels throughout the season. With teams playing between 29-33 matches based on the current standings, consistency becomes a crucial factor for both individual players and their clubs.
