League CEO Brian King explains that the uhlsport Hellenic League structure for the 2019-2020 season continues to evolve.
"The FA is hearing Appeals against original allocations for at least the next week. These will undoubtably mean more change. For example where clubs won appeals earlier this week, this has resulted in an imbalance in three Step 5 Leagues close to our borders, which in turn will need resolution."
"Meanwhile the element of The FA National League System that administers Steps 5 & 6, is continuing to work hard to bring the original UHL allocation of 29 clubs at Division One level (a split of East15 and West 14) closer towards 16 & 16. In reality these guys are working extremely hard as they are also attending the Appeals."
"As part of their work we offer a warm welcome to Stonehouse Town, who join our ranks in promotion from The Gloucester County League. This is the 2nd second club promoted from their ranks. Personally I would like to thank that League for all of their assistance and leadership in this move and the knock-on effect on other competitions within Gloucestershire. The background is that The FA, as a first step, had asked the four UHL ‘Feeder Leagues’ for an additional promotion club. However there were no clubs available at all from the Wiltshire Senior and Oxford Senior Leagues, and the Thames Valley League had already promoted Marlow United. With the changes to Step 7 football that were announced at their recent conference we am hopeful that we can work on this situation.
Another change is that Kidlington, who were originally allocated a place in Division One West, will move to Division One East following much background work during the course of this week. The move for Kidlington is a better fit in terms of local football and travel time epitomising the UHL view of supporting fixtures that minimise travel distance, time and costs for our clubs’"
"On the down-side, and due to the many further changes expected at the end of season 2019-2020 The FA Council are not supporting entry of clubs into Step 6 from outside the National League System, unless there are exceptional cases. We believe that only two have been made across the country. This is disappointing, however, we are looking for a process change during next season to make this more straightforward. This affects our Division Two clubs. What needs to be said about Division Two, is that whilst the number of 11-a-side men’s football clubs and Leagues are declining dramatically across the country, the UHL Division Two is bucking the trend by thriving, and growing rapidly. This is a real credit to all of those who are taking part."
"So as at today our Division One East & West split in club numbers is presently 16 – EAST, and 14 - WEST. Work continues by The FA and the UHL to increase our number at Step 6 for next season."