League Allocations – 2025/26
The FA have revealed the National League System (NLS) club allocations for Steps 3-6, subject to FA Council ratification.
For us it means 19-team Premier and First Divisions.
Leaving us are Faversham Town and VCD Athletic, who were both promoted to the Isthmian South East Division, while Canterbury City and Meridian VP drop to the Kent County League.
Laterally joining us at Step 6 are Banstead Athletic and the returning Chessington & Hook Utd while AFC Greenwich Borough are the new entrants to the National League System.
Both Divisions are waiting for the result of a Lydd Town Appeal which currently sits with the County FA.
PREMIER DIVISION
Bearsted
Corinthian
Erith & Belvedere
Faversham Strikeforce
Fisher
Glebe
Hollands & Blair
Holmesdale
Hythe Town
Kennington
Larkfield & New Hythe
Lydd Town or Snodland Town (TBC)
Phoenix Sports
Punjab United
Rusthall
Stansfeld
Sutton Athletic
Tunbridge Wells
Whitstable Town
FIRST DIVISION
AFC Greenwich Borough
Banstead Athletic
Bridon Ropes
Chessington & Hook United
Clapton Community
Croydon
FC Elmstead
Forest Hill Park / SE Dons
Greenways
Halls AFC
Lewisham Borough
Lordswood
Lydd Town or Snodland Town (TBC)
Rochester United
SC Thamesmead
Sheppey Sports
Staplehurst Monarchs
Tooting Bec
Welling Town
These League Allocations will require FA Council ratification plus need to withstand appeal before being confirmed at the SCEFL AGM in June.
Season 2025/26 start date
We are awaiting confirmation of FA Cup round dates from the FA but assuming they are similar to previous seasons, Premier Division clubs can expect their league programme to start on Saturday, July 27.
The First Division season is expected to get underway on Saturday, August 2.
Fixtures are likely to be published in mid-July, but they cannot be done until after the Isthmian League produce their lists due to groundshares.
Full Step 5/6 League Allocations