Much like in the professional game, the grassroots game also has different divisions and levels of playing. The placement of teams into divisions allows different skill levels to be paired more fairly, increasing competition and inclusivity. It allows less experienced players to play the game in lower divisions, still finding joy and improving, rather than being stuck in a system without divisions and getting embarrassed week in, week out by better teams.
This benefits the stronger teams too. Although winning is stereotyped to be fun, winning too easily, back-to-back, by huge margins can actually take the thrill out of the game. The excitement of victory fades when it becomes guaranteed. Divisions help maintain the value of competition, making sure that winning actually means something.
Now, this system isn't universal across every grassroots league in England, but generally, the highest division is known as the “Premiership.” This is usually the division where scouts are most active, and where future stars thrive, playing at the highest standard of grassroots football—often just one step away from joining academies.
For my Saturday team, I play in the North Bury League Premiership division. We recently won the cup a few weeks ago, which was a proud moment. The contrast in quality between this team and others I've played for really emphasised the beauty of grassroots football—the sheer variety of skill levels it brings together. Some leagues, like East Manchester, even have almost ten divisions, proving just how deep and structured the grassroots scene really is.
However, not every league calls its top division the “Premiership.” In many cases, the most prestigious division is simply called “Division 1.” It depends on the league's size and reputation. For example, in the East Manchester Junior Football League (a very well-known grassroots league), the Premiership is the top tier, followed by the Championship, and only then Division 1. Meanwhile, in a smaller, less famous league like the Timperley & District Junior Football League, Division 1 would be considered the top level.
It's at this point, around Division 1, where the average skill level starts to get closer to “good” rather than “outstanding.”
The difference between Division 2 and Division 1 is usually not massive either. I've personally experienced this. My team got promoted from Division 2 and went on to win Division 1 in our first season there. A good friend of mine, who plays for Sale United, also achieved the same feat last season, winning Division 1 immediately after getting promoted from Division 2.
After Division 2, the divisions tend to blend together more. The playing level becomes increasingly similar the further down you go. It's here that a common assumption crops up: that players in lower divisions aren't technically as good as those in the top leagues.
Generally speaking, this is true—but with some important exceptions.
There are a few reasons why very talented players might choose to play for lower division teams:
Reason 1: They play for multiple teams across different leagues. It's quite common to find players who, for example, play in Division 3 on a Saturday, but then turn out for a Premiership team on a Sunday. Their Saturday team might be made up of friends, family, or just be a more relaxed environment. Playing in lower divisions doesn't make them bad players—if anything, it can help them stand out more to scouts who sometimes dip into the lower leagues searching for hidden gems.
Reason 2: They simply want more game time or want football to remain fun. At the higher divisions, especially in Premiership and Championship teams, football becomes very serious—training intensifies, expectations are sky-high, and every match feels like a must-win. Not everyone wants that pressure, especially if they've already had a taste of academy football or are balancing football with other commitments. Some players prefer to step back and just enjoy playing the game without the stress that comes with competing at the very top of grassroots.
Both these reasons show that the grassroots scene is much more complicated than it might look at first glance.
Another thing worth mentioning is that grassroots football is not static. Teams are constantly changing. Players get scouted and leave for academies; others get released and drop back down into grassroots. Teams who dominate one season might completely fall apart the next if key players are lost. It's a living, breathing ecosystem, not a fixed ladder.
In conclusion, the grassroots game has incredible depth and isn't just one flat level of playing ability like many people assume. Generally, the higher you go, the better the players and the higher the standard. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. Talented players can be found at any level. Divisions may sometimes be closer in quality than you'd expect, and promotion between levels can happen quickly for teams that hit form at the right time.
Grassroots football, with all its chaos and variety, truly is the heartbeat of the game. It's where future professionals, weekend warriors, and lifelong fans all share the same pitch, chasing the same ball—for glory, for fun, or sometimes, for something in between.
If you've made it this far, thank you for reading! Football is so much more than what happens on the pitch, and it's time we talk more about the mental battles that define players' careers. If this article resonated with you, share it with your teammates, coaches, and fellow football fans. Let's keep the conversation going and help more young players navigate the game's toughest challenges. Stay tuned for more on Pitch Side Journal—and see you back here soon!
