Midland League Division Two

Established in 2014, following a merger between the Midland Football Alliance and the Midland Football Combination, its DNA actually largely stems from the Worcestershire Combination which was founded in 1927 which later became the Midland Combination in 1968.

Sitting at the feeder league level on the football pyramid, the Midland League Division Two serves as a direct feeder to the Midland League Division One at Step 6 level.

Meanwhile, the league has a considerable geographical reach, covering the counties of Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire and parts of Leicestershire across most of the Midlands.

Cadbury Athletic and Other Interesting Facts

One of the league’s most famous members is Cadbury Athletic; indeed, a club founded by the Cadbury family and who played in the iconic colours of purple and white; these of course being associated with the chocolate brand.

Because of the Step 6 facility requirement, many Division Two sides often ground share with professional or semi-pro neighbours; Birmingham United having shared with Redditch United in the past, at the Trico Stadium.

Meanwhile, clubs in Division Two compete in the Les James Challenge Cup, which is named after the legendary league servant and considered one of the most prestigious trophies in regional amateur football.

Furthermore, in January 2025, the league entered into a major multi-year sponsorship deal with Capelli Sport  to become the Capelli Sport Midland Football League.

Cadbury Relegated Themselves To Play at Bournville

Over the years, the league has had a number of sponsors associated with it, including Total Motion, with this partnership being particularly crucial in the post-merger phase and league expansion.

Meanwhile, one of the league’s recognisable sponsors was Polythene UK, which helped to fund the Polythene UK League Cup, which particularly shone a spotlight on clubs in the lower divisions in the MFL structure and the league’s partnership Travel2School underlined its commitment to the local community and logistics, which is a key theme for grassroots football, where travel costs are a key factor.

Perhaps one of the most outlandish events in non-league football occurred in 2021, when the aforementioned Cadbury Athletic, demoted themselves into Division Two, stating its desire to return to its spiritual and natural home at Bournville; a ground that lacked floodlights (so did not meet Division 1 ground grading) and they immediately won the 2021/22 Division Two title.

Typically attendances at this level usually average out at between 50 and 100 people, though for local ‘derbies’ between clubs such as Sutton United and Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons and cup games against clubs from higher tiers, these figures can hit between 300 and 500 plus.

The level of football is generally good and serves as an ideal development league for ambitious youngsters who are wanting to eventually play further up the pyramid, while occasionally, scouts are seen at games from clubs in higher leagues.