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Formed 1889

Brief history of the Northern League

The Northern League is the second oldest football league in the world.  Formed in 1889, the Northern League included both professional and amateur clubs.  This continued until 1906, when at the annual meeting it was decided that the League would be restricted to amateur clubs only.

The League is based in the north east of England and has teams from five counties - Cumberland, Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and North Yorkshire. (Click here for map of the Northern League grounds).

The League has had a number of clubs join and leave over the years.  However, it was not until 1982 that a second division was formed.  Eleven teams were elected to the League in June 1982.  The following season, the second division was increased to 18 clubs.  

Nowadays, three teams from the bottom of the first division are relegated to the second, while the top three from the second division are promoted to the first division.  The bottom two of the second division are relegated to either of the feeder leagues - Wearside and Northern Alliance.   One team from each of the feeder League's being promoted to the second division.  

Following the FA's restructure of the non league pyramid in 2004, the Northern League is at step 5/6 of the National League System.  

The League and its sponsors also recognises the achievements of its clubs throughout the season.  At the end of the season, the Annual Dinner will present awards not only to the players and clubs, but also to back room staff of clubs.

An unique sponsorship deal was announced at the Annual Dinner in 2003.  Brooks Mileson, owner of the Albany Group and current sponsors of the League, announced that not only would the League be sponsored for the rest of his life, but throughout his sons' lives by way of a trust.  For season 2005-06, the League changed its name to Arngrove Northern League - still sponsored by Brooks Mileson - following the sale of two major companies in the Albany group.

A League initiative in the season 2000-2001, was the introduction of a telephone line, where supporters can call to find out if any League games have been postponed.  The telephone number to call on the day is:

(0191) 389 1385

For a more comprehensive history of the League, order a copy of the book Northern Goalfields Revisited.

Northern League Season

2005-2006
2004-2005
2003-2004
2002-2003
2001-2002
2000-2001
1999-2000
1998-1999
1997-1998
1996-1997