The Swindon & District Community Football League is set for another thrilling season as the 2024 campaign kicks off in the Premier Division.

With the reshuffling of teams and the arrival of new challengers, this season promises to be one of the most competitive yet.

Departures and New Arrivals

The Premier Division has seen some notable changes over the offseason. Reigning champions Shield & Dagger return to defend their crown, but the division will look different this year.

Sadly we have lost Nationwide and Nalgo Sports Club who have both have folded and will not compete in the upcoming season.

We also say goodbye to Redhouse and Down Ampney, two of last season’s top-five finishers, who have moved across to the Wiltshire first division. The league wishes them the best of luck in their new challenge.

Replacing these teams are several newly promoted sides from Division One, eager to prove themselves at the highest level along with the Old Town Athletic who jump straight into the top flight.

Blunsdon Reserves, last season’s Division One champions, have earned their place in the Premier Division after an outstanding campaign.

Joining them are Ramsbury, Moredon, Purton and Drunken Masters who have re-named to Nalgo Masters, all of whom finished strongly in Division One.

Teams to Watch

Shield & Dagger remain the team to beat, having dominated the Premier Division last season with 15 wins out of 18 matches. Their combination of attacking flair and defensive solidity will make them the favourites once again as they look to retain their title.

Coleview and Chiseldon, who finished second and third respectively last season, will be looking to challenge Shield & Dagger more closely this time around.

Coleview’s consistency and Chiseldon’s resilience will be crucial as they aim to close the gap and contend for the championship. If both sides can retain the group of players that pushed for the title, they should be be feeling very confident going into the season.

Bassett Bulldogs, who had a mixed season last year, finishing seventh, will be eager to climb the table and assert themselves as a top-tier side. With renewed determination, they could be one of the dark horses in the competition.

The New Faces

Among the promoted teams, Blunsdon Reserves are a side to keep a close eye on. Their triumph in Division One last season, with 13 wins and a goal difference of +50, suggests they are more than capable of making an impact in the Premier Division.

Ramsbury and Moredon also arrive in the Premier Division with momentum on their side.

Both teams showed commendable form in Division One, and their promotion reflects their strength and ambition. They will be aiming to establish themselves as competitive forces and avoid the relegation battle.

Purton, another promoted team, rounds out the new entrants. After a solid campaign in Division One, they will be looking to find their footing in the Premier Division and make their mark.

The Season Ahead

With a mix of seasoned contenders and ambitious newcomers, the 2024/25 Premier Division season is shaping up to be a fascinating contest.

Shield & Dagger FC may be the team to beat, but with teams like Coleview, Chiseldon, and the newly promoted sides all eager to make their presence felt, the title race could be more open than ever.

As the teams prepare to take to the pitch, fans can look forward to a season of high-stakes matches and plenty of drama in the Swindon & District Community Football League’s Premier Division.