Felixstowe & Walton United FC

With Bowers & Pitsea’s promotion, the relegation of Mildenhall and the departure of Barking to The Isthmian League South Central Division, Felixstowe & Walton will have three new opponents for the 2019/2020 season. New to The Bostik North are Cambridge City (from a different geographical area at Step 4 last season), Hullbridge Sports (promoted from Step 5) and Histon (also promoted from Step 5). There was a reprieve for Romford due to the departure of Barking.

You may be wondering why last season The Bostik North play-off winners, Heybridge Swifts, were not promoted and why it seems promotion and relegation rules change every year. This is because national non-league football is undergoing a period of restructuring. Soon there will be a more straightforward set up with:

Step 1:            One National League                         As at present

Step 2:            Two Geographical Leagues              As at present

Step 3:            Four Geographical Leagues              As at present

Step 4:            Eight geographical Leagues             Seven at present

Step 5:            Sixteen geographical Leagues          Fourteen at present

The allocation of clubs to the various leagues, as in the first paragraph, is provisional pending any appeals from clubs, which must be placed by the 26^thMay. Final confirmation will be announced after the June League AGMs.

From season 2020/2021 the transition to a non-league football pure pyramid will be in place.

For our Reserves there has been a reprieve meaning they will play in The Eastern Counties Football League Division One at Step 6 again next season. They will be joined by Sheringham (promoted from step 7), Framligham (relegated from Step 5) and Gt.Yarmouth (relegated from step 5). There has been a reprieve for Wisbech St. Mary.