As the 2024/25 season approaches, the Swindon & District Community Football League‘s Division One is set for an exhilarating campaign.

With new teams entering the fray, recent promotions, and relegations, the competition promises to be fiercely contested from the first whistle.

Relegations and Promotions

The biggest change in Division One this season is the arrival of Cricklade Town Reserves, who were relegated from the Premier Division after a tough campaign in 2023/24.

After struggling in the top tier, Cricklade will be keen to regroup and mount a serious challenge for an immediate return to the Premier Division. Their experience at a higher level could make them a formidable force in Division One.

Blunsdon Reserves, Ramsbury, Moredon, Nalgo Masters (formally Drunken Masters) and Purton have all been promoted to the Premier Division after successful campaigns last season. Their departure opens up the competition in Division One, giving other teams a chance to rise to the top.

New Entrants: Fresh Blood in Division One

The 2024 season sees the arrival of several new teams eager to make their mark on the league. Ridgeway Rovers, AFC Harrow, FC Scorpion, Redhouse Reserves, Swindon Rovers, Tidworth Town Youth, and Wroughton Youth will all be competing in Division One for the first time.

These new entrants bring a sense of unpredictability to the division. Ridgeway Rovers and FC Scorpion are expected to be strong contenders, coming in with reputations for solid performances in other leagues.

Redhouse Reserves add depth to the competition, while the likes of Tidworth Town Youth and Wroughton Youth will be looking to find their feet quickly in their debut seasons as they provide their clubs youth team players a route into adult football.

Teams to Watch

Cricklade Town Reserves will undoubtedly be one of the favourites to challenge for the Division One title. Their experience in the Premier Division, despite last season’s struggles, could give them an edge over the competition.

However, they will need to adapt quickly to the division’s different style of play and avoid any hangover from their relegation.

Lower Stratton and Poulton will be aiming to improve on their performances from last season. Lower Stratton finished ninth in Division One last year, while Poulton secured eighth place. Both teams will be looking to build on their experiences and push for higher positions in the table.

Spectrum and Stratton Juniors Reserves are also worth keeping an eye on. Both teams had mixed results last season, and with the departure of some of last year’s top sides, they may see this as an opportunity to climb the ranks and establish themselves as strong contenders in Division One.

The Season Ahead

With a mix of established teams, newly relegated sides, and fresh faces, Division One of the Swindon & District Community Football League is set for an exciting and competitive 2024 season. The battle for promotion to the Premier Division will be intense, with every team eager to make their mark and achieve their goals.

The new entrants bring with them a fresh dynamic, and it will be fascinating to see how they fare against the more seasoned Division One teams.

Whether it’s established teams looking to progress up the league table, or the new teams hoping to make an immediate impact, the upcoming season promises plenty of drama, excitement, and quality football.

Football fans across the region will be eagerly awaiting the start of the new season, as Division One gears up for what could be its most competitive campaign yet.