Farewell to the 2025/26 Season – One to Remember

And just like that, the curtain falls on another unforgettable season in the Hellenic Football League. It’s been nine months of mud, mayhem, midweek miles, and moments of real quality, and somehow, we’ve made it to the finish line.

At the top end, huge congratulations go to Slimbridge and FC Stratford, who have both earned automatic promotion after outstanding campaigns. Joining them via the play-offs are Worcester Raiders and Malmesbury Victoria, who came through the pressure when it mattered most. We say farewell (for now) to Slimbridge and Worcester Raiders as they step up to Step 4 best of luck, and don’t go getting too comfortable up there, keep that winning drive and go higher!!. As for FC Stratford and Malmesbury, we’re hoping to see you representing the League just as strongly next season.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a season without a bit of uncertainty at the other end. Commiserations to Clanfield 85, Wellington and Thame United Reserves in Division One, along with Cribbs and Lydney Town from the Premier Division. Or… maybe. Because as we all know, nothing is ever quite that simple. Final decisions now sit with The Football Association, and we’re sure the spreadsheets, and colouring crayons are already in full use ahead of next season’s allocations.

The cup competitions, as always, brought their own share of drama. Hereford Pegasus lifted the Challenge Cup in front of a brilliant crowd of 612, managing the rare feat of scoring three goals while picking up six yellow cards—entertaining, if nothing else. Shortwood United claimed the Supplementary Cup, while Longlevens AFC produced a memorable comeback to win the Floodlit Cup against Hungerford Reserves, who pushed them all the way. Hungerford also fell just short again in the Chairman’s Cup, where Wantage Town U23s came out on top, safe to say it just wasn’t meant to be their year in finals. Meanwhile, the Presidents Cup went to UDA Glos Development, who edged a tight game against Banbury United Development in front of a lively crowd.

A special mention must go to Hallen for their superb run in the FA Vase. To go that far in a national competition while keeping pace in the league is no small achievement, and they’ve done themselves and the League proud.

And then there were the scorelines… because this season certainly didn’t lack goals. Wantage Town’s 8–1 win over Woodford United was one that had people double-checking the full-time posts, while the Oxfordshire derby saw Carterton put five past Clanfield 85 without reply. Across the board, we’ve seen everything from seven-goal thrillers to last-minute winners, heavy defeats to hard-fought draws, the kind of unpredictability that makes this level of football what it is.

But more than anything, this League is about people.

A huge thank you goes out to every player and every club who have given everything across the season. To the hundreds of volunteers who turn up week in, week out often unseen and unheard, keeping clubs running and supporting the League behind the scenes, this simply wouldn’t exist without you.

Special recognition must go to our referees. To the volunteer officials who brave the rain, wind, and everything else thrown at them to uphold the game, thank you. It’s a role that rarely gets the credit it deserves. And to our Level 4 referees, who now await their fate in the promotion and retention process, good luck to you all. The marking system can be unforgiving at times, but your efforts across the season have not gone unnoticed. Now its time to rest and get ready for that fitness test that is fast approaching!

We also extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors, whose support is vital to everything we do, our principal partner uhlsport, along with Batman Sports, Wiseman Lighting and All Sport Trophies. Your backing helps ensure the League continues to grow and thrive.

And finally, to the League staff, another group who rarely get the spotlight. The work that goes on behind the scenes is relentless, often feeling like a second full-time job (or two). But show up they do, day in and day out. Enjoy the short break because in a couple of weeks’ time, it all starts again, and the real work begins for 2026/27.

It’s been hectic, it’s been demanding, and at times it’s probably tested the patience of even the most seasoned among us, but it’s also been another brilliant season full of stories, effort, and commitment.

So, as we close the book on 2025/26, thank you to everyone involved, and we look ahead to next season, whatever shape it may take once The Football Association has worked its magic. Enjoy the break… it won’t be long before we do it all over again.

Added Thank you to all the Match day Photographers; Who’s work can be seen below! Massive Thank you to you all, the images are amazing!