Rotherham Sunday League sees increase in teams for 2026/27 season

The competition is set to operate with 73 clubs, an increase of ten on last term.

It’s another feather in the cap for the competition at a time when similar leagues are doing well just to hold their own.

"It’s a long time since the Sunday League had more than 70 teams,” said secretary Mark Pilley.

"I don’t know why that is exactly but we must be doing something right.

"In fact we were on the brink of adding another division but have managed to keep it to the Premier and the Championship and Divisions One, Two, Three and Four.

"All the divisions are sponsored, so it’s good news all round.”

The newcomers include three from Rawmarsh, one from Aston Swallownest JFC and another from Treeton Terriers JFC, the first from that former pit village for around ten years.

"It’s nice to see youth players stepping up to play the senior game. That’s how it should be,” added Mark.

"Our new teams aren’t all from Rotherham and it shows the reach of the league now.

"We go as far as Wath in the north, Harthill in the south, Langold in the east and Hillsborough in the west.”

Multiple league winners AFP have changed their name to AFP Press Box.

The new season starts on September 6.