On Tuesday the North West Counties Football League announced the restructure for next season's competition with several changes and reshuffling of clubs taking place.
Bacup Borough FC will restart the 2021/22 campaign in the usual surroundings of Division One North. And with the reshuffling of teams taking place it now means that Borough will be joined in Division One North with some new additions. Campion AFC from Bradford, Ilkley Town AFC, South Liverpool, and FC Isle of Man will all compete next season in the North West Counties. The other clubs to feature are AFC Blackpool, AFC Darwen, Ashton Town, Atherton LR, Bury AFC, Chadderton, Cleator Moor Celtic, Daisy Hill, Garstang, Golcar United, Holker Old Boys, Nelson, Pilkington, Steeton and St Helens Town.
The Bowl In Douglas, Isle of Man
When the news broke on social media on Tuesday afternoon there was a frenzy of
excitement about an away day trip to the Isle of Man. Last season the newly formed FC Isle of Man were due to feature in Division One South but with Covid intervening and making it almost logistically impossible for them to travel to the mainland it was agreed with the league that they would step down for a season.
Talking to the manager Brent Peters about the introduction of the new clubs he was in a
buoyant mood. “I’m really excited to see new clubs coming into the league. Welcoming Ilkley Town, Campion, South Liverpool and of course the Isle of Man to Division One North is great news for everybody. Going to new places and playing against fresh faces is what it’s all about. And the inclusion of FC Isle of Man seems to have created excitement from all the teams in our league.”
Whilst touching upon the involvement of FC Isle of Man, Brent reflects on some excellent
team bonding breaks he had experienced in the past. “I’ve enjoyed some fun times with my teams on the Isle of Man. We used to make it an annual trip for a bit of rest and recuperation at the end of a hard season. It’s a wonderful place and being able to take our young side over there to play one of our fixtures will be great. We’re not yet aware of how that will happen but I’m sure we’ll receive guidance on flights and accommodation from the league over the coming months.”
The season is due to kick off at the end of July with league games and FA Cup preliminary fixtures scheduled. The playing staff are now having a short break before training will resume in mid June.
