The Hellenic Football League has been a cornerstone of grassroots football since its foundation in 1953. For more than 70 years, the League has provided a competitive, well-governed environment for clubs while supporting the communities they represent. With a proud heritage and a clear vision for the future, the League continues to play a vital role in the development of the national game at its most authentic level.
Since its inception, the League has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of non-league football. A significant milestone came ahead of the 2000/01 season with the integration of the Chiltonian League, strengthening both its structure and geographical reach. Today, the League operates with a Premier Division and Division One, both forming an integral part of The Football Association’s National League System.
Following the restructuring of the National League System in 2004/05, the Hellenic Football League was designated at Steps 5 and 6 of the English football pyramid. Clubs in the Premier Division compete at Step 5, where success on the pitch can lead to promotion into Step 4 and the wider semi-professional game, including the Southern Football League Division One, subject to meeting The Football Association’s ground grading requirements.
Division One clubs compete at Step 6, with opportunities for promotion to the Premier Division available to clubs that achieve the required sporting success and facility standards. The League also provides an important pathway for ambitious clubs progressing from Step 7 county competitions across the Hellenic region, ensuring a clear route for sustainable football development.
The 2026/27 season marks one of the most significant chapters in the League’s history. Following many months of planning and the dedication of the League’s officers, management committee and volunteers, the League has been incorporated as The Hellenic Football League Limited. This important step establishes a stronger governance framework, provides greater long-term stability and enables the League to better support its member clubs while laying solid foundations for future growth.
While the League’s legal entity is now The Hellenic Football League Limited, the competition will continue to operate under the title of the uhlsport Hellenic Football League, with uhlsport continuing as the League’s valued title sponsor. This reflects the League’s commitment to maintaining strong commercial partnerships while preserving the identity that clubs, players and supporters have come to recognise.
Under the leadership of Chair Bill Beach, the League is entering an exciting new era. The focus for the 2026/27 season and beyond is to continue raising standards across the competition, provide enhanced support to member clubs, increase the League’s profile on and off the pitch, modernise its operations, reduce unnecessary administration, and allow clubs to focus on what matters most—playing football.
Driven by a commitment to excellence, integrity, inclusivity and sustainable growth, the Hellenic Football League remains dedicated to providing opportunities for clubs, players, match officials, volunteers and local communities to thrive. Proud of its history and ambitious for its future, the League continues to build on more than seven decades of tradition while embracing the opportunities of the modern game, ensuring it remains one of the country’s leading grassroots football competitions for generations to come.
Meet the dedicated individuals who drive the success of the Hellenic
William Beach – League Chair
“aka” Bill brings extensive league management experience and a deep passion for football. He has spent a large part of his life in football and has held many positions within teams and leagues. Bill took over as Chair at the start of season 23/24 after serving as league secretary. Bill can be found most weekends visiting the clubs and seeing the action unfold on the field. His love for the game and all things football is strong and his passion to drive the league forward will take the league to the next level.
Ian Hamilton – Company Secretary
Ian brings a wealth of technical expertise and forward-thinking ideas that continue to strengthen and modernise league operations. Despite his leadership responsibilities, he remains closely connected to the game still an active match official and a familiar sight on the touchline most weekends with flag in hand. Since joining as Secretary at the start of the 2024/25 season, Ian has been instrumental in shaping the League’s direction, driving initiatives that support club development, streamline administration, and enhance its overall platform. He is also the first point of contact for member clubs on all administrative matters, ensuring the League runs efficiently while continuing to grow on and off the field.
Chris Lake – Discipline Secretary
Chris leads with vision, ensuring the league continues to grow and thrive. He has a sound understanding of what it takes to run a league and the challenge it faces. Chris offers a voice of reason and prospective during committee meeting, and general day to day running. Where possible offering a different point of view and ensuring the voices of our clubs, match officials and fans are heard.
Brian King – Finance
Brian is widely regarded as one of the foundations of the Hellenic Football League, having dedicated well over a decade to its growth and stability. A former Royal Air Force serviceman, his passion for football began early through refereeing, and he has remained a central figure in the League ever since. Now overseeing Finance, Brian plays a crucial role in ensuring the League’s long-term sustainability.
Martin Pates – Fixtures
Martin plays a key role within the Hellenic Football League as Fixtures Officer, overseeing the coordination and structure of the League’s seasonal calendar. Since joining at the start of the 2025/26 season, he has brought organisation, precision, and a calm, methodical approach to one of the most demanding areas of league operations. Arriving from the Cheltenham League, where he held a similar role, Martin offers valuable experience and insight into fixture planning. His work ensures the smooth running of match schedules across the season, balancing the needs of clubs while maintaining the integrity and flow of competition.
Justin Sercombe – Referee Appointments
Justin plays a vital role within the Hellenic Football League, overseeing referee and assistant referee appointments across the League. Since joining at the end of the 2024/25 season, he has brought structure and reliability to officiating, while remaining an active referee himself and maintaining a strong connection to the game on the pitch. In addition to his work with the League, Justin also manages appointments for three other competitions across the Hellenic region. This wider involvement helps strengthen the pool of available officials, ensuring consistent coverage and high standards week in, week out.
Angela King – Registrations
Angela plays an essential role within the Hellenic Football League, overseeing all player registrations and transfers across the League. Since joining at the same time as Brian, she has brought organisation, accuracy, and efficiency to a critical area of administration, ensuring all player movements are processed smoothly and in line with regulations. Working at the heart of League operations, Angela provides vital support to clubs throughout the season, helping to keep everything running seamlessly behind the scenes. Her attention to detail and dependable approach make her a key point of contact for all registration and transfer matters.
Craig Davenport – IT Systems
Craig Davenport has been a key part of the Hellenic Football League since joining in the 2022/23 season, bringing a broad range of experience from his time as both Referees Officer and Fixtures Officer. His knowledge of league operations across multiple areas gives him a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to keep the competition running effectively. Now overseeing the League’s IT systems and social media platforms, Craig ensures the digital side of operations runs smoothly and the League remains visible, connected, and up to date. Alongside his off-field responsibilities, he continues to be an active referee, maintaining his presence in the game.
