Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League has been a cornerstone of grassroots football in Northern England since its establishment in 1909. Covering areas across South East Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and North East Cheshire, this Saturday afternoon men's open-age competition has fostered local talent and community spirit for over a century.
The league operates with multiple divisions, including its Premier Division, offering competitive football to clubs throughout the region. Regular fixtures and comprehensive league tables help maintain the organized structure that has sustained this amateur football institution for generations.
With its rich history spanning more than 115 years, the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL represents the enduring tradition of weekend football that remains vital to countless communities across the region. Players and supporters continue to gather each Saturday, maintaining the sporting heritage that has defined this league since the Edwardian era.
History
The Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League (L&C AFL) stands as one of the enduring football institutions in the North West of England. Founded in the early 20th century, the league has provided a competitive structure for amateur clubs across the region for decades.
Old Bedians, one of the league's oldest clubs, was founded in 1928 and joined the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL in the 1930-31 season. This early period marked the beginning of the league's expansion and development.
Moston Brook FC represents one of the league's success stories, having been a well-managed and successful club within the L&C AFL for over fifty years. Their longevity demonstrates the stability the league has provided for member clubs.
The league currently operates a multi-division structure with the Premier Division at the top of the pyramid. This organization allows for promotion and relegation, creating a competitive environment for teams of varying abilities.
While similar to the Lancashire Amateur League (LAL) which was founded in 1899, the Lancashire and Cheshire AFL has developed its own distinct identity and tradition. The L&C AFL primarily serves clubs located within the historical boundaries of Lancashire and Cheshire.
Throughout its history, the league has maintained its amateur status while providing organized football for numerous clubs. This commitment to grassroots football has helped sustain the sporting heritage of the region.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League (AFL) is structured to accommodate different competitive levels within men's open-age football. As of the 2024/25 season, the league operates with six divisions.
The league's divisional structure follows a hierarchical format with the Premier Division at the top, followed by Division One, Division Two, and Division Three. These are complemented by Division A and Division B at the lower tiers.
This six-division system represents a slight change from previous seasons when the league occasionally featured additional divisions such as Division C or Division D. The restructuring ensures appropriate competitive balance across all teams.
The Lancashire and Cheshire AFL focuses exclusively on open-age men's football, with matches typically played on Saturday afternoons. This format has been maintained since the league's formation in 1909.
Teams compete not only in their respective divisions but also participate in various cup competitions throughout the season. These tournaments provide additional competitive opportunities beyond regular league fixtures.
The geographic scope of the league encompasses South East Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and North East Cheshire, creating a robust regional football competition for clubs across these areas.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League is managed by a dedicated team of officials who oversee the league's operations. Michael YATES currently serves as the Chairman and can be reached via mobile at 07968 162588 or by email at chairman@landc.org.uk.
The league's committee structure includes various roles essential for smooth functioning of the competition. From 1992 to 1999, the committee featured a Results and Records Secretary position, highlighting the league's commitment to maintaining accurate documentation.
For those seeking direct communication with league representatives, contacting the chairman is the most straightforward approach. The league also maintains communication channels through its official website and social media platforms.
Historical records indicate committee members serve multi-year terms, with some dedicating significant portions of their careers to the development of amateur football in the Lancashire and Cheshire regions. The 1998 season marked a notable period in the league's administrative history.
Contact Options:
- Chairman: Michael YATES
- Mobile: 07968 162588
- Email: chairman@landc.org.uk
For additional inquiries about the Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League, reaching out to these official channels ensures proper assistance with registration, scheduling, and other league-related matters.
Teams
The Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League features numerous teams across its divisions. The league, formed in 1909, serves men's open-age football clubs throughout South East Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and North East Cheshire.
The Premier Division includes several established clubs such as Salford Victoria, Rushford Park, and Rochdalians. Other premier teams include Spurley Hey, Newton Vikings, Trafford United, and Stoconians.
Santos and Sublime Athletic also compete at the top level, alongside Prestwich who round out the Premier Division competitors.
Other notable teams in the league include:
- AFC Boarshaw
- Bedians AFC
- Bury Amateur
- Chadderton Park Sports Club
- Elton Lib Hargreaves
- High Lane
- Manchester Polonia
- Mellor
Additional teams competing in various divisions include:
- Baguley Athletic
- Eccles United
- Hattersley
- Irlam Tiger Rangers
- Mellor First
- Newton 1st
- Sale Amateurs
The league provides competitive Saturday afternoon football for these clubs, maintaining the rich footballing tradition in the Lancashire and Cheshire region.
Players
The Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur Football League features a diverse range of players competing across multiple divisions. Many participants are local footballers who maintain the league's strong community ties that date back to its formation in 1909.
Players compete for various clubs including Elton Lib Hargreaves, Salford Albion, AFC Boarshaw, and Stoconians AFC in the upper divisions. The league structure provides opportunities for footballers of different skill levels.
Teams like Bollington United, Dom Doyle, and Heywood St James Reserves feature players who typically balance their football commitments with work and other responsibilities, as is common in amateur leagues.
The league's geographical coverage across South East Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and North East Cheshire creates a rich mix of playing styles and footballing traditions represented on the pitch each Saturday afternoon.
Several clubs such as Bury Amateur, FC Babylon, Hillgate, Manchester Rovers, and Irlam Steel have developed reputations for developing talented local players who contribute to the competitive nature of the matches.
Many players move between clubs within the league's hierarchy, with some eventually progressing to semi-professional football in higher divisions. This player movement helps maintain competitive balance throughout the divisions.
The open-age format means the league accommodates adult players of all ages, creating interesting matchups between experienced veterans and emerging younger talent.
