National League North 2025–26 Line-Up Confirmed

The FA Leagues Committee has today confirmed the constitution of the National League North for the 2025–26 season.

Who’s In and Who’s Out

Moving up to the National League are Brackley Town, crowned champions, along with the winners of the play-off final between Scunthorpe United and Chester.

Joining us from the National League are AFC Fylde, returning to step 2 following relegation.

From the leagues below, Macclesfield are promoted as Northern Premier League champions, with Worksop Town joining them via the play-offs.

Bedford Town and AFC Telford United are also promoted to the division, while Merthyr Town—champions of the Southern League Premier South—join us after being placed in the North section for geographical balance.

Darlington last visited Merthyr’s Penydarren Park during the memorable 1989-90 GM Vauxhall Conference title-winning season.

The Season Ahead

Next season promises to varied and extensive for Darlo supporters, with new away days and grounds to explore.

Travel-wise, there’s a noticeable increase in mileage:

• Average round-trip per fixture: 288 miles

• Total round-trip travel: 6615 miles

That’s up from last season’s:

• 2024–25 average: 254 miles

• 2024–25 total: 5,847 miles

Among the standout journeys:

• Merthyr Town – 570 miles round-trip

• Hereford – 460 miles

• Oxford City – 442 miles

Scunthorpe have won promotion to the National League after they beat Chester in their play off.

2025/26 League fixtures are expected to be announced in early July.