FC Isle of Man retain place in cut-down NWCFL Premier Division

Initial FA League Allocations announced for 2026/27 season

FC Isle of Man will remain in a slimmed-down NWCFL Premier Division for the forthcoming 2026/27 season.

The Manx side retain their place in the league following the latest initial FA League Allocations, which will also see the NWCFL Premier Division reduced from 24 teams to 20 for the next campaign.

There are also changes elsewhere in that league, with West Didsbury & Chorlton and Cheadle Town being moved laterally to the Midland League Premier Division.

Another development this week saw Stockport Town announce they have voluntarily resigned from the NWCFL system entirely 'after careful consideration over Stockport Town FC's long-term future and its ability to compete at Step 5.'

Meanwhile, Trafford are dropping in from the Northern Premier League (NPL) West following relegation with Wythenshawe FC and Padiham moving up into that level after successful promotion missions.

At the other end, Nelson and Droylsden move into the NWCFL Premier Division after promotions from NWCFL Division One North and NWCFL Division One South respectively.

As of the end of last season, Litherland REMYCA and City of Liverpool were relegated from the NWCFL Premier Division - the former of those drops into NWCFL Division One North whilst City of Liverpool will go down further to Step 7 of the non-league pyramid having been unable to secure an appropriate groundshare agreement for 2026/27.

All current league allocations do remain subject to appeal and therefore may be subject to change ahead of next season - the leagues will be formally ratified following an appeal period on 20 June.

As it stands, the NWCFL season will begin Saturday, 1 August with a detailed fixture list still to be confirmed.

You can view the teams to currently compete in the NWCFL Premier Division for 2026/27 below:

2026/27 NWCFL Premier Division teams (Subject to appeal)

Abbey Hey
AFC Liverpool
Atherton LR
Barnoldswick Town
Burscough
Chadderton
Charnock Richard
Droylsden
Euxton Villa
FC St Helens
FC Isle of Man
Glossop North End
Irlam
Longridge Town
Nelson
Pilkington
Prestwich Heys
Ramsbottom United
South Liverpool
Trafford