Gloucestershire County Football League

The Gloucestershire County Football League is a football league in England, founded in 1968. The league is affiliated to the Gloucestershire County FA.

Gloucestershire County Football League
Founded1968; 56 years ago (1968)
CountryEngland
Number of teams16
Level on pyramidLevel 11
Promotion toHellenic League Division One
Western League Division One
Relegation toBristol & Suburban League
Bristol Premier Combination
Gloucestershire Northern Senior League
Current championsAvonmouth
(2023–24)
WebsiteOfficial website

It sits at step 7 (or level 11) of the National League System and is a feeder to Divisions One of the Hellenic League and Western League. Clubs to move from the GCL to the Hellenic League in recent seasons are Brimscombe & Thrupp, Longlevens and Tuffley Rovers. The league has always consisted of a single division of clubs. In the 2023–24 season, 16 teams will compete in the league.

The Bristol & Suburban League, Bristol Premier Combination, and the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League feed the Gloucestershire County League.

Administration

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The League has a maximum size of 18 member clubs, who have to be affiliated to the Gloucestershire Football Association.

The club's ground or headquarters have to be located within the County of Gloucestershire or in those parts of the City of Bristol that were within the 1908 city boundaries.

The league is part of the National League system and clubs may apply for promotion to or from the League.

The Joint Liaison Committee, at the end of each season, confirms promotion and relegation of clubs between the leagues and is responsible for the boundary adjustments between the leagues where appropriate. The Committee is drawn from the Western Football League, Gloucestershire County League, Somerset County League, South West Peninsula League and the Wiltshire League.[1]

History

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The league was originally formed in 1968. Its first chairman was F.Dowling, who was ably assisted by the Hon. Secretary, L.V. James. Les James has the Leagues' Cup Competition named after him in recognition of his service to football and the league within Gloucestershire. Chairman, Mr F. Dowling, presented the championship trophy to Stonehouse, who were the first winners of the County League.[2]

Among the clubs that left the Gloucestershire County League and which now compete, or have competed, at a higher level are:

Former members of the County League that have dropped back into local football include:

Member clubs for 2024–25 season

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  • Almondsbury
  • Broadwell Amateurs
  • Bromley Heath United
  • Chalford
  • Cheltenham Civil Service
  • Filton Athletic
  • Frampton United
  • Gala Wilton
  • Hanham Athletic
  • Henbury & Rockleaze
  • Quedgeley Wanderers
  • Ruardean Hill Rangers
  • Sharpness
  • Stoke Gifford SGS United
  • Totterdown United
  • Wick

List of champions

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References

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  1. ^ "Surridge Gloucestershire County Football League – About". Archived from the original on 12 April 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
  2. ^ "Surridge Gloucestershire County Football League – About". Archived from the original on 12 April 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
  3. ^ "Football Club History Database – Harrow Hill". Retrieved 29 May 2011.
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