Steelmen to join Northern Premier League East for 2025/26

The FA has placed Redcar at Step Four of the National League System.

The English Football Association have this week confirmed that Redcar Athletic will compete in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One East during the 2025/26 football season.

The decision was made as part of the annual league allocations announced by FA on Thursday afternoon, confirming that the Steelmen will compete at the highest level in history when play resumes in August.

Promoted as worthy champions of the Northern League, Redcar Athletic will be accompanied in the jump to Step Four by Blyth Town. The Northumbrians beat Newcastle Blue Star in the playoff final at the beginning of May.

Their success has set up a historic date with town rivals Blyth Spartans, with the pair set to lock horns for the first time in competitive football, having been four divisions apart just two seasons ago.

Spartans are joined in relegation from the Northern Premier League Premier Division by Matlock Town.

The division also welcomes Silsden and Hallam of the Northern Counties East League, and Lincoln United of the United Counties League.

Brighouse Town have been reprieved from relegation.

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The Steelmen will face familiar adversaries in Ashington, Bishop Auckland, Consett, Heaton Stannington and Newton Aycliffe next season, all of which have featured in the Northern League during the past five years.

There will once again be trips to North Ferriby and Pontefract Collieries, who Redcar have faced in both pre-season and the Emirates FA Cup respectively, whilst Green Lane will welcome clubs such as Grimsby Borough and Bradford Park Avenue for the first time.

Bridlington Town, Dunston UTS, Emley, Garforth Town and Ossett United complete the 22-team division.

To see the full league allocation from the English FA, please click here.