An important message from both ESBFL (Essex & Suffolk Border Football League) and MEFL (Mid-Essex Football League).

Message from John Campany, Chairman, ESBFL.

This message has been sent to all ESBFL Member Clubs & Management Committee

We are writing to inform you of an exciting development for grassroots football in our region.

The Management Committee of the Essex & Suffolk Border Football League (ESBL) has agreed to work closely with the Mid Essex Football League (MEFL) moving forward.

This collaboration is designed to strengthen local football, improve player pathways, share resources, and ensure greater stability and opportunity for clubs in Essex.

By aligning our efforts, we aim to create a more cohesive structure that benefits everyone, from grassroots to senior levels.

What This Means For You:

* Enhanced Competition: Potential for stronger fixtures and greater player development.

* Clearer Pathways: A more unified system for teams progressing through the football pyramid.

* Future Stability: A joint approach to governance and development for long-term sustainability.

* Shared Resources: Opportunities to share facilities, refereeing support, and administrative best practices.

We believe this partnership will foster a more robust and vibrant football community across Essex.

More detailed plans and opportunities for discussion will follow.

A similar communication is being sent to clubs in the Mid Essex Football League so all are kept informed.

There is much to do between now and the end of the season and as Member Clubs it is important that we have your full support and input.

We look forward to your support as we embark on this positive new chapter together.

John Campany

Chairman, ESBFL

Message from Andy Chaplin, Chairman, MEFL.

This message has been sent to all MEFL, Member Clubs on Wednesday 17th December 2025.

Over the past few seasons, the Competition has been working hard to determine how we best support grassroots football within the geographic footprint of our member Clubs.

We are a Competition that has been in existence and supported the development of grassroots football in Essex for over 100 years, the longest serving Competition in the County and as such we are proud of our heritage.

The Competition recognises that our pathway to progression is limited therefore we have been in consultation with one of the feeder League Competitions in the County, the Essex and Suffolk Border League for some time.

Our discussions have led us to what we believe to be an exciting opportunity to work in Partnership with another long-standing competition, and offer our existing Clubs a highly competitive football environment, but also a pathway to progression, within a single football environment.

The Essex and Suffolk Border League geographic footprint has extended over recent seasons to align to the Mid Essex Football League, so offers our membership a good environment within our existing borders.

As a consequence of the above the two Management Committee’s have agreed to work towards a plan to create a single integrated Competition and we are aiming to have this in place for the start of season 2026-2027.

The history and legacy of the Mid Essex Football will be retained which was important. To ensure continuity and comfort to our Member Clubs the Mid Essex League Management Committee will also be integrated into any new structure.

I would stress this not a takeover but an integration that takes both Competition’s to a new level of participation.

There is a lot to do between now and the end of the season, and as Member Clubs it is important we have your full support and input.

To this point we will be calling a half yearly meeting in early 2026 in order that we can outline our proposals further, seek your feedback and then determine next steps.

Whilst writing to you all I would like to thank you for all your support you are giving to Grassroots Football and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sent on behalf of:

Andy Chaplin

Chairman, MEFL