END OF A LONG ERA FOR PLYMOUTH LEAGUES ?

Whilst we get closer to the new 2026/27 season and await patiently to get the season turned over, one thing that should startle older supporters is that for the first time in a century and a quarter there will be no Saturday mens teams operating in the West Devon Plymouth League. Last season they did have a Premier level, but now that, along with the Senior and Intermediate divisions has shut up shop. It does not mean there are no Plymouth teams at this level but those that remain have moved over to the South Devon League their closest neighbours or operate at Step 7.

Plymouth was the powerhouse of Saturday football before the 1st world war, and once had two Leagues, the Plymouth & District League and the Plymouth Combination League. Both covered a wide area, but as new Leagues at a higher level have sprung up and many other factors have clearly ebbed interest, our County’s biggest city will only have sunday teams under their label.

From 1890 until 1926 only teams from the Plymouth area won any of the Devon County cups Saturday competitions, and teams from Plymouth still capture the three major Saturday trophies, but it is astonishing that they no longer have a local district name to be part of. I don’t know where this is all heading, and as portrayed at the recent Devon FA football awards, our national game is flourishing both for men and women in Devon, but will the circle turn again in the future for the Plymouth League, lets hope so.

Wednesday 29th July 2026