Northern Senior League champions Chalford hit out at ‘unbelievable’ decision not to grant them promotion to the Gloucestershire County League

Unbeaten Gloucestershire Northern Senior League champions Chalford will not be promoted to the Gloucestershire County League next season, in a move described by the club as “unbelievable” and “a blow to their aspirations.”

Ben Powell’s side won 25 of their 28 league games last season to win the title by 12 points – but lost out to Hanham Athletic and Avonmouth in the three-team play-off matches for the two promotion places.

But there was hope that Chalford would still go up if the County League expanded to 18 teams, with the possibility of Cirencester Town Development dropping into the league from the Hellenic League Division One.

However, the league is to stay at 16 clubs, with Patchway Town and Henbury relegated and Almondsbury dropping down from Western League Division One to replace promoted champions Cribbs Reserves.

Meanwhile, Cirencester Town Development have joined the Wiltshire County League, which will run at 18 clubs with Amesbury Town also joining, from the Wessex League.

In a statement on social media, the club said: “Unbelievable. We gave our all, going unbeaten in every single game of the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League.

“But to our dismay, the Gloucestershire FA has failed to recognize our efforts and denied us promotion.

“It’s not just a disappointment for us, but it undermines the whole pyramid system of football that aims to reward progress and excellence.

“We have the facilities, the squad, and the drive to compete at a higher level.

“Our unbeaten record is a testament to our capabilities, and denying us the opportunity to showcase our skills at a more challenging level is a blow to our aspirations, Chalford AFC and the efforts of the community.

“It’s time for the Gloucestershire FA to re-evaluate their promotion criteria and take into account the achievements and potential of teams like ours.

“Let’s ensure that the true essence of grassroots football is preserved, where hard work and talent are recognized and rewarded. We deserve a fair chance to rise.”

The GFA responded with a post on their website, which says: “Most people involved in adult male football are familiar with the FA’s National League System (NLS) which provides a pyramid for teams to progress from Step 6 (Hellenic/Western leagues) through to professional football at the highest level.

“Below the NLS, many counties have a Local Football Pyramid that enables a team to progress from entry level to an NLS Feeder League (formerly Step 7).

“For clubs affiliated to Gloucestershire FA, the pyramid leading to an NLS Feeder League (Gloucestershire County League) was agreed in consultation with representatives from all affiliated leagues and has been in place for many years.

“In 2022, a new promotion play-off process was introduced because there are now four local leagues (Bristol Premier Combination, Bristol & Suburban, Gloucestershire Northern Senior and Hellenic Division Two) whose league champion teams are potentially eligible for promotion to the NLS Feeder League, but only two promotion places are available.

“This is in accordance with the two-up, two-down promotion-relegation link jointly agreed with the Gloucestershire County League.

“The play-off process was developed and supported by local league representatives as we all felt the best way to determine promotion to the highest level of local football was on the field of play.

“As County FA, our role is to arrange the play-offs and provide playing facilities and match officials at no cost to the clubs or leagues involved.”