Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Hertfordshire Senior County League, founded in 1898, stands as one of England's oldest football competitions, serving clubs across the Hertfordshire region for over 125 years. The league currently operates with multiple divisions, including the ACERBIS Premier Division, which functions as a feeder to the National League System, allowing top-performing clubs finishing no lower than fifth to apply for promotion to higher tiers of English football. This historic competition has become an integral part of the local football pyramid, providing a structured platform for teams at various competitive levels.
With Belstone First currently leading the Premier Division table with an impressive 85 points from 34 matches, the league continues to showcase competitive football throughout Hertfordshire. The organization maintains clear operational guidelines, including specific rules, ground requirements, and weather protocols to ensure fair and consistent competition across all participating clubs.
History
The Hertfordshire Senior County League, commonly known as the Herts Senior County League, was founded in 1898. It stands as one of England's oldest county football leagues, serving the Hertfordshire region for over 125 years.
The league has evolved significantly since its inception, developing a multi-tier structure. Currently, it operates with two divisions at the senior level, providing competitive football for clubs across Hertfordshire.
During World War I (1915-1918), the Hertfordshire Senior Cup competition was suspended, though it's unclear if the league itself continued operations during this period. This cup competition has historical ties to the league system.
The Football Club History Database (FCHD) maintains comprehensive records of the league, including final table information dating back to its early years. More recent records (from approximately 1985 onwards) were compiled from contemporary sources.
The league has seen numerous clubs join and leave over the years. For example, the 2018 season witnessed changes including AFC Oaklands departing from the Premier Division, while Aldenham, Baldock Town reserves, and Bedmond Sports joined Division One.
Today, the Herts Senior County League continues to be an important part of the English football pyramid, providing structured competition for clubs in the region and serving as a pathway for teams aspiring to climb to higher levels of English football.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Herts Senior County League, established in 1898, offers structured football competition across multiple divisions and age groups in Hertfordshire. The league primarily focuses on open-age (adult) football.
At the senior level, the league operates with two main divisions. The ACERBIS Premier Division sits at the top of the hierarchy, followed by ACERBIS Division 1.
The league structure extends further with reserve and development divisions. Currently, there are four divisions at the reserve and development level: Reserve & Development 1, ACERBIS Division 2, Division 3, and Division 4. Some sources also indicate the existence of Division 5.
Each season, clubs must submit information regarding the number of teams they will field in each division and age group. This submission deadline is August 1st, ensuring proper organization before the season commences.
The comprehensive structure allows teams of varying abilities to compete at appropriate levels. This promotes competitive matches and creates pathways for progression through the divisions.
The league represents an important component of Hertfordshire's grassroots football system. It provides organized football opportunities for players across the county, contributing to the development of the sport at the local level.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Herts Senior County League, founded in 1898, is managed by a dedicated team of officials who oversee its operations. As of the 2024-25 season, Stephen Hall serves as the Herts Senior County League representative on the FA Council, having been appointed to this position in 2024.
Scott Patmore currently holds the position of Secretary for the league. He can be contacted via phone at 07768 606481 or through email at scott@thepatmores.com for league-related inquiries.
For the 2023-24 season, Les Crabtree (appointed in 2017) represented the Herts Advertiser Sunday Football League, working alongside officials from various Hertfordshire football organizations.
The broader Hertfordshire FA structure includes Steve Maker, who serves as the Head of Football Development and Investment as well as Deputy Senior Safeguarding Lead. He can be reached at steve.maker@hertfordshirefa.com.
League tables and rules can be accessed through the official Hertfordshire FA channels, providing teams with essential information about competitions and regulations. The league operates under the umbrella of the Hertfordshire Football Association, which provides governance and support.
Teams
The Herts Senior County League consists of multiple teams across different divisions. Currently, the league structure includes a Premier Division and lower tiers.
Notable teams in the Premier Division include Cuffley Seniors First, who currently sit in 3rd position after playing 20 matches according to recent standings.
Allenburys Sports First and Leverstock Green Reserves are also among the top-performing teams, positioned 4th and 5th respectively. Everett Rovers Saturday First completes the top 6 teams.
Other clubs competing in the league include Bush Hill Rangers FC First, Chipperfield Corinthians First, Cockfosters Reserves, and Colney Heath Reserves.
Historically, Sandridge Rovers have been successful in the league, winning the Premier Division in consecutive seasons (1981-82 and 1982-83).
Mount Grace Old Scholars and Wellcome Berkhamsted were division champions in the lower tiers during the 1981-82 season.
The league serves as part of the National League System's feeder divisions. Top-performing eligible clubs can apply for promotion if they finish in the top 5 positions.
Teams in the league benefit from a competitive environment while fostering companionship through sporting competition, as per the league's philosophy.
Players
The Herts Senior County League features a diverse range of players competing across its divisions. Local talent makes up the majority of squad rosters, with many players having connections to nearby communities.
Notable players in the league include Edward Collie, Jamie Cooper, and Mark Wells, who have contributed significantly to the competitive nature of the competition. Julie Adolph has also made her mark on the league's development.
Dean Roper, associated with Hemel Hempstead Rovers FC, is among the recognized names within the league structure. Other key figures include Steve Hall and Chris Geelan, who have helped shape the league's reputation.
Most teams in the league operate with squad sizes appropriate for semi-professional and amateur football. This typically ranges from 18-25 registered players per club, allowing for rotation and injury coverage throughout the season.
The league serves as an important development pathway for young players in Hertfordshire. Many use the competition as a stepping stone to higher levels of the English football pyramid.
Player movement between clubs is common, with transfers typically occurring during designated registration periods. This creates a dynamic competitive environment where team compositions regularly evolve.
