Hebburn Town who were the champions of our division last season find themselves in the National League North, they are also joined by Hednesford Town who gained their success in the play-off final against Warrington Rylands on penalties.

Replacing the two promoted teams are Curzon Ashton and Alfreton Town who were both coincidentally relegated on the final day of their 2025/26 campaign at The Impact Arena.

Based in Ashton Under Lyme, upon Greater Manchester, The Nash ( Curzon Ashton ) finished in 21st place after reaching just 52 points inside 46 games which wasn’t enough to get over the line to secure safety for their following season, this has led to them dropping into the NPL Premier Division. Despite their relegation, Charlie Weston managed to gain credibility for being their top goal-scorer, after reaching 17 goals throughout the season, Alex Curran followed behind with 14 goals to his name. Playing at the Tameside Stadium which has a total capacity of 4,000, Adam Barton and his side will face the Blues this season in the NPL Premier Division.

Based in Alfreton ( Derbyshire ), The Reds finished in 22nd position with 50 points from 46 games throughout their campaign. Playing at the Impact Arena with a total capacity of 3,600, Siyabonga Ligendza managed to become their top goal-scorer last season at the club after securing 7 goals for the side. Looking to bounce back after suffering relegation on the final game of the season, Jake Buxton and his men will have to travel to the F Ball Community Stadium which will see the Blues stand in their way for next season

Unfortunately we saw three teams suffer upon relegation from the NPL Premier Division last season which were; Prescot Cables, Morpeth Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels after they were all unable to climb to safety for this campaign.

Replacing the relegated teams heading into this season are Redcar Athletic, Emley AFC, Bury FC, and Avro FC who gained promotion from the East Division, and also West Division respectively.

Starting off with Redcar Athletic, the side managed to become champions of the NPL East League after reaching a high tally of 105 points inside 42 games. Based in North Yorkshire, Redcar Athletic had an average attendance of 367 last season which went to see them become victorious at Green Lane. Having a capacity of 1,800, the ground hosts Leek Town this campaign as they will attempt to carry on their winning momentum. Leading the club to promotion, Adam Boyes ensured he became their top goal-scorer with 41 goals inside 42 appearances for the club. Manager Carl Jarrett and The Steelmen will look forward to bringing a threat into next season after proving themselves around the East League last season.

Moving onto Emley AFC, the West Yorkshire based side gained their spot in the league this season after becoming NPL East Play-off winners in their 2025/26 campaign. They reached 77 points from 42 games, The Pewits held an average attendance of 502 at The Fantastic Media Welfare Ground, which holds a total capacity of 2,000. Scoring goals for fun last season, Bailey Thompson and Gabriel Kane Johnson held their share of credibility for becoming top goal scorers for Emley AFC. Making the step up into the NPL Premier Division, manager Richard Tracey and his squad will look forward to getting off to a good start in their new campaign.

Champions of the NPL West Division, were Bury FC. Located in Bury ( Greater Manchester ), The Shakers have an average attendance of 3,609 at Gigg Lane, which has a seated capacity of 11,840. Kai Evans got over the line to be their top goal scorer after reaching a tally of 16 goals from 40 games, which was followed up with Rustams Stepans who bagged 12 goals inside 39 appearances for Bury FC. Gaining 90 points from 42 games last season, manager Anthony Johnson and his men will look to repeat their success as they head into their new 2026/27 NPL Premier campaign. The Blues will look forward to the huge meeting as they will plan to prevent the big-hitters taking away points from Josh Brehaut and his side.

Joining Bury FC into the NPL Premier Division from the West Division are Avro FC, who were victorious in the play-off final against Stalybridge Celtic as they won 4-2 in a 6 goal thriller. Based in Oldham ( Greater Manchester ), The Ro managed to take away 88 points from 42 games last season as they came up slightly short towards the end of their season leading to the title being taken away from them, despite a 13-0 victory against Darlaston Town. Kyle Hawley became the club’s top goal scorer last season after reaching 25 goals throughout his 36 appearances. Avro FC have their home games played at the Vestacare Stadium where they had an average attendance of 329 last season getting them over the line. The Venue holds a total capacity of 1,320 which will be hopefully filled when Grant Shenton and his side take on Leek Town this season.

The final change going into the beginning of our 2026/27 season is Quorn FC replacing Rushall Olympic in the division. The Methodists have previously competed in the Southern League Premier Division before being introduced into the Northern Premier Division this season. Quorn is based near Loughborough (around Leicestershire ) and they play their home games at Farley Way Stadium which has a total of 315 upon seated capacity. Last season, the side finished in 8th position, with 65 points on the board inside 42 games as they look to repeat success this campaign. Zak Goodson engraved himself as the club’s top goal scorer after reaching 19 goals throughout his campaign and led the side into a consistent placement. Ryan Beswick and Tom Cherry will lead their side out into a new campaign for the club which they look to make history.

We look forward to fixture release day in mid July

Contributor - Ashley Potter