The Blues return to pre-season training on Tuesday 23rd June after a short summer break and have seven pre-season games planned before the kick off the Northern Premier League season on Saturday 8th August 2026.

The lineup is as follows:

Winsford United - Saturday 4th July 2026 3:00pm - AWAY
Abbey Hulton United - Thursday 9th July 2026 7:45pm - AWAY
Macclesfield FC - Tuesday 14th July 2026 7:45pm - HOME
Stafford Rangers - Saturday 18th July 2026 3:00pm - HOME
Kidsgrove Athletic - Tuesday 21st July 2026 7:30pm - AWAY
Stalybridge Celtic - Saturday 25th July 2026 3:00pm - AWAY
Runcorn Linnets - Friday 31st July 2026 7:45pm - HOME

Winsford United
Winsford currently play in the Midland Football League, Premier Division (Step 5) and finished 3rd last season. They reached the play offs but were eventually between by 1874 Northwich who progressed to the final and beat Northwich Victoria to advance to Step 4.

They play at the The Barton Stadium, Winsford, CW7 3AE

Abbey Hulton United
Abbey Hulton also play in the Midland Football League, Premier Division (Step 5) and finished 8th last season. The backroom and playing staff contain many ex Leek Town alumni and we look forward to playing them once again in pre-season.

They play at Drayton Beaumont Park, Birches Head Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 8DD

Macclesfield FC
Macclesfield FC need no introduction after a successful season in the National League North (Step 2) following promotion from the Northern Premier League the previous season. They finished 4th and progressed in the play offs before losing to Kidderminster Harriers in the semi-final.

This is likely to be a very well attended game and will be ALL TICKET

Stafford Rangers
Next up at home is Stafford Rangers, they currently play in the Northern Premier League, West Division (Step 4). In their last campaign they finished 17th, which was low by their expectations, but this season they are likely to be one of the leagues front runners.

Details of the game and admissions prices will be released in due course.

Kidsgrove Athletic
The Grove are another team that needs little introduction to Blues fans. We have shared the same division for many seasons until our promotion in the 2023/24 season, with rivalry being fierce but respectful. Kidsgrove also play in the Northern Premier League, West Division (Step 4) and finished 16th last season

They play at Autonet Insurance Stadium, Hollinwood Road, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 1DQ

Stalybridge Celtic
Our final away game is away at Stalybridge Celtic, who had a terrific season narrowly missing out on promotion through the playoffs, losing against Avro in the final. They currently play in the Northern Premier League, West Division (Step 4) and will be amongst the league favourites hoping to go one better this season.

They play at Bower Fold, Mottram Road, Stalybridge, Cheshire, SK15 2RT

Runcorn Linnets
Our last game of the schedule is a Friday night special against our old friends Runcorn Linnets. Another team who had a good campaign in the previous season with a top 4 finish. They progressed in the playoffs but faltered at the semi-final stage against Stalybridge Celtic. They play in the Northern Premier League, West Division (Step 4) and are always one of the teams to watch.

Details of the game and admissions prices will be released in due course.

Please keep an eye on socials over the next few weeks with details of tickets and pricing.