Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The West Lancashire Football League stands as a prominent football competition in northern England, comprising five divisions with three dedicated to first teams - Premier, Division One, and Division Two. Established as part of England's football pyramid, it serves as a vital stepping stone for clubs with ambitions to progress up the national league system. The league's top division features competitive clubs like CMB, Tempest United, and Burscough Richmond who consistently battle for supremacy in the Premier Division standings.
This regional competition holds significant importance as a National League System Feeder Division, offering promotion opportunities for successful clubs. Teams finishing in the top five positions can apply for advancement to higher leagues, providing a clear pathway for ambitious clubs to climb the football hierarchy. The current season has seen close competition at the top of the Premier Division, with just a few points separating the leading contenders.
History
The West Lancashire Football League is a notable football competition based in northern England. It consists of five divisions, with three dedicated to first teams (Premier, One and Two) and additional divisions for reserve teams.
The league has a rich history dating back several decades. According to available records, the competition has been operating since at least the late 1950s, with cup competitions being held as early as 1959-60 when Blackpool Rangers defeated Fleetwood Reserves.
Throughout the 1960s, teams like Blackpool Mechanics and Wren Rovers dominated the cup competitions. Blackpool Mechanics won back-to-back cup titles in 1960-61 and 1961-62, with Wren Rovers finishing as runners-up both times.
The Premier Division has crowned numerous champions over the years. Fulwood Amateurs claimed the title in the 1998-99 season, with Charnock Richard finishing as runners-up. The following season (1999-00) saw Kirkham & Wesham take the championship, while Dalton United secured the second position.
The league has served as a stepping stone for clubs with ambitions to progress through the English football pyramid. Some teams have achieved promotion from the West Lancashire League to higher levels of competition.
In recent years, the league has maintained its importance in the northern England football scene, providing competitive football for numerous clubs across the region.
Age Groups and Divisions
The West Lancashire Football League is primarily an open age football competition based in northern England. It consists of five divisions structured to accommodate teams of different skill levels and purposes.
The league organizes three divisions for first teams: Premier Division, Division One, and Division Two. These divisions follow a hierarchical structure with the Premier Division being the highest level of competition.
In addition to the main divisions, the league also supports two reserve divisions: Reserve Division One and Reserve Division Two. These divisions allow clubs to field secondary teams, providing development opportunities for younger players and squad depth.
Unlike some regional leagues, the West Lancashire Football League focuses exclusively on adult football rather than offering youth divisions. This specialization allows the league to maintain high standards of competition at the senior level.
The Premier Division sits at the top of the pyramid within the league structure. Teams can be promoted or relegated between divisions based on their performance throughout the season, following standard football league protocols.
Matches within each division follow The Football Association's Standard Code of Rules for open age football, ensuring consistency and fairness across all competitions.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The West Lancashire Football League is managed by a dedicated committee of volunteers who oversee the operations and administration of the league. Current key contacts include Frank Heaton, who serves as President and can be reached at 07768 947751.
John Brown holds the position of General Secretary, contactable at 07707 581540, while Andy Hosker fulfills the dual role of Chairman and Fixtures Secretary (07790 355290).
The league also has a Vice-chairman who works alongside the other committee members to ensure smooth functioning of all league activities and competitions.
The WLFL Committee is actively seeking volunteers to join their Executive Committee. This presents an opportunity for individuals passionate about local football to contribute to the development and future direction of the league.
For general inquiries about the West Lancashire Football League, contacting any of the committee members listed above would be appropriate. They can provide information about fixtures, results, league rules, and other administrative matters.
Committee meetings are held regularly to discuss league affairs, address any issues, and plan for upcoming seasons and events.
Teams
The West Lancashire Football League features a variety of clubs organized across multiple divisions. The league structure includes a Premier Division, Division One, and Division Two, alongside Reserve Division One and Reserve Division Two.
The Premier Division represents the top tier of competition within the league. Notable clubs competing in this division include Blackpool Wren Rovers, Burscough Richmond, CMB, and Tempest United.
As of March 2025, CMB leads the Premier Division table with 51 points from 23 matches. Tempest United follows closely with 50 points, while Burscough Richmond holds third position with 46 points from 22 games.
Other prominent teams in the Premier Division include Rossendale (39 points), Fulwood Amateurs (38 points), and Haslingden St. Marys. Milnthorpe Corinthians also competes at this level.
The league has a rich history with various clubs participating over the years. These include established sides like Burnley Belvedere, Charnock Richard, Darwen FC, and Eagley FC.
Some clubs field reserve teams in the dedicated Reserve Divisions, such as Charnock Richard FC Reserves. This provides valuable playing opportunities for developing talent.
Other teams that have competed in the West Lancashire Football League include Carnforth Rangers, Cadley, Cartmel & District, and Burnley United.
Players
The West Lancashire Football League features a diverse range of players from various backgrounds and skill levels. As a regional competition in northern England, it serves as an important platform for both developing and experienced footballers.
Most players in the league are semi-professional or amateur, balancing their football careers with other professional commitments. This creates a competitive environment where passion for the sport is evident across all five divisions.
The league's top teams like Millom, Astley & Buckshaw, and Hesketh Bank often attract talented players from the local areas. These clubs currently lead the standings with Millom at 61 points from 25 matches, followed by Astley & Buckshaw with 55 points from 23 games.
Player transfers between clubs in the league are common, especially between seasons. Many footballers begin their careers in the lower divisions before progressing to the Premier Division as they develop their skills and gain experience.
Local talent forms the backbone of most squads, with clubs having strong connections to their communities. Youth development programs feed into first teams, creating pathways for promising young players to advance.
Each season sees standout performers who contribute significantly to their team's success. These players often become respected figures within the league, known for their consistency and leadership qualities.
