How the EMJFL 2026/27 Divisions Will Be Created

Preparations for the 2026/27 EMJFL season are continuing, and the next major stage will be creating the proposed divisions across each age group.

The deadline for clubs to ensure that their teams are correctly listed in the FA Club Portal and assigned to EMJFL is 31 July 2026.

Once this deadline has passed, the League will begin reviewing the confirmed teams and creating provisional division structures.

When forming divisions, the League will consider:

• The number of confirmed teams at each age group

• The playing format for the relevant age group

• Information provided by clubs regarding the team’s playing level

• Previous League performance where applicable

• The need to create balanced and appropriate competition

• Central-venue capacity and home-and-away arrangements

• Any other information that may help place a team appropriately

Our aim is to create divisions that provide players with competitive, enjoyable and developmentally appropriate football.

Provisional Divisions

Any divisions shared initially will be provisional and may change before the season begins.

Clubs will be given an opportunity to review the proposed structure and raise any genuine concerns through their Club Secretary. However, the final placement of teams will remain at the discretion of the EMJFL Management Committee.

Help Us Place Your Team Correctly

If your team is new to EMJFL, has changed significantly or may need to move to a different playing level, please provide us with as much useful information as possible.

This may include:

• The division played in last season

• The team’s general playing level

• Whether the team is newly formed

• Any significant movement of players

• The level of competition the team is seeking

Please do not exaggerate or understate the team’s ability. Accurate information gives us the best chance of producing fair divisions.

What Clubs Need to Do Now

Before 31 July, please ensure that:

1. Every intended team is visible in the FA Club Portal.

2. Each team has been assigned to the East Manchester Junior Football League.

3. The team name and 2026/27 age group are correct.

4. Any relevant playing-level information has been supplied to the League.

5. Teams that are no longer continuing have been clearly identified.

A team must be available to the League through the FA systems before it can be placed into the relevant competition structure. The FA Competition Portal allows leagues to create divisions using criteria such as age group, format, gender and matchday, before adding eligible teams.

Deadline: 31 July 2026

Contact: emjflsec@gmail.com