Southern Combination League Division Two

Formed in 1920 and originally as the Sussex County Football League, this went through a major rebrand in 2015, reflecting a considerable administrative shift that illustrated its wider geographic reach and was renamed the Southern Combination Football League, which houses Division Two.

Operating as a feeder league, with Division One being Step 6 and the Premier Division being Step 5, Division Two is often described as being the “most authentic” tier of the league, due to the fact that it is rooted in village football, where there is a deep community rooting.

It is, as such, recognised as an FA Regional Feeder League, which means that it is the highest level of football that is purely managed at a regional level before entering the National League system’s senior ranks.

Promotion to the next tiers though, is strictly governed by ground grading with quite a few clubs not able to meet the standards, due to lack of funding and their village ties.

Brighton Scouting Ground

The SCFL has long been a scouting ground for Brighton & Hove Albion FC, with many players in Division Two, often first making the step up to a Premier Division club before having the opportunity to be scouted.

Numerous professional players have often ended their careers at this level or, started their coaching careers at Division Two, because it provides the desired foundation (for aspiring coaches) to then go on to prove themselves, while undertaking their professional coaching qualifications.

Meanwhile, clubs such as Milk Oak and Shoreham frequently yo-yo between Division One and Division Two, which fundamentally highlights just how competitive the game is, even at this level.

Furthermore, the FA Inter-League Cup gives Division Two standout players the opportunity to represent the league in the SCFL Representative side, plying their trade against similar sides at this level around the country, which helps to showcase the technical standard of Sussex football.

Key Partnerships

Naturally, the division relies on local businesses for sponsorship who are key for contributing towards running costs, with kit and equipment manufacture, Macron being a notable sponsor over the years.

Meanwhile, the majority of the sponsorship for clubs in Division Two comes via the tourism and agriculture sector in Sussex whose contribution helps to make a big difference for small village clubs with a shoestring budget, while fundraising events are often held to also help.

The Peter Bentley Challenge Cup, named after a local and iconic player, is the most prestigious knockout competition at this level.

Quirky Ground Characteristics

Being a division made up of (mainly), village clubs, each ground has many standout features, with Bosham’s Walton Lane ground, particularly known for its proximity to Chichester Harbour, which provides a picturesque backdrop.

Furthermore, Rottingdean Village is essentially set in a natural amphitheatre, creating a dramatic atmosphere near the Sussex cliffs, while Jarvis Brook (Pavey Ark), is located in a stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the High Weald area.