The year 2025 has been a defining one for the Uhlsport Bristol Premier Combination. It brought a thrilling conclusion to the 2024/25 season, the crowning of champions and cup winners, the emergence of new contenders in the early months of 2025/26, and a poignant moment of reflection following the passing of one of the game’s most respected servants.
On and off the pitch, the league once again demonstrated the strength of its competition, the commitment of its clubs, and the sense of community that underpins football across the region.
A New Identity and Stronger Community Links
The 2025 calendar year also marked an important step forward for the league off the pitch, with the successful rebranding to the Uhlsport Bristol Premier Combination. The refreshed identity reflects the league’s continued growth, professionalism, and ambition, while reinforcing its position at the heart of grassroots football in the region. Alongside the rebrand, the league was pleased to welcome new sponsorship support from respected local sports retailers Harris Sports and Doug Hillard Sports, whose long-standing commitment to grassroots football further strengthens the league’s local foundations.
Beyond commercial partnerships, the league also demonstrated its commitment to using football as a force for good by supporting Andy Stone in his efforts to promote awareness and fundraising for cystic fibrosis across South West footballing community. As part of this initiative, all league clubs were provided with dedicated captain’s armbands, ensuring the message reached pitches across the competition. The initiative was widely supported by clubs, underlining the league’s shared values of community, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
Premier Division: Winterbourne United’s Year of Glory
The closing chapter of the 2024/25 Premier Division belonged emphatically to Winterbourne United. A dominant league campaign saw them crowned champions after collecting 62 points from 24 matches, winning 20 times and setting the standard for consistency and attacking quality.
Winterbourne’s excellence did not stop there. They added the League Cup to their honours, completing a memorable league-and-cup double and cementing their place as the division’s standout side of the year.
Behind them, DRG Frenchay pushed hard throughout the campaign, finishing second on 55 points after an impressive and highly competitive season. Hallen Reserves once again demonstrated their consistency and organisation to claim third place.
A strong supporting cast followed, with Shirehampton Reserves enjoying an excellent season in fourth, while Iron Acton and Longwell Green Sports Reserves rounded out a competitive top half.
Division One: Bristol Barcelona Take the Crown
Division One provided its own compelling narrative in 2024/25, as Bristol Barcelona produced a superb campaign to finish as champions. Sixteen wins from 22 matches and a total of 51 points reflected their consistency and attacking flair.
They were closely followed by Greyfriars Athletic, whose goal-scoring form made them one of the division’s most entertaining sides, while Hillside FC and Bedminster Down completed a highly competitive top four.
2025/26 Season – Mid-Season Review
As the 2025/26 campaign moved into its second phase, the league once again delivered drama and unpredictability across both divisions.
Premier Division: A Title Race Wide Open
At the halfway stage, DRG Frenchay have been the early pace-setters. Seven wins from nine matches, coupled with an impressive return of 26 goals, have seen them establish themselves at the summit. Their attacking intent and consistency have been eye-catching, but the margin for error remains slim.
Close behind, Hallen Reserves have been ruthlessly efficient. Six wins from seven matches and games in hand mean they remain a very real threat in the title race.
Olveston United have continued to impress with disciplined, well-organised performances, while Iron Acton, unbeaten and boasting an excellent win ratio, have emerged as one of the division’s most dangerous sides.
The middle of the table remains tightly packed, with Bristol Barcelona, Nicholas Wanderers, Greyfriars Athletic, and Winterbourne United all within striking distance of the leading group. A strong run of form after the winter break could quickly change the complexion of the table.
At the lower end, Thornbury Town Reserves, Longwell Green Sports Reserves, and Shirehampton Reserves will be targeting greater consistency, while Shaftesbury Crusade, impacted by a points deduction, will be looking to climb the standings. Patchway Town will be hoping to regroup and show resilience in the second half of the season.
Division One: Promotion Battle Intensifies
Division One has been equally competitive. AEK Boco Reserves have led the way at the midway point, with seven wins from ten matches establishing them as strong promotion contenders.
Pressing them hard are Old Sodbury, whose attacking output has been one of the highlights of the season so far. With games in hand, they remain firmly in the hunt.
The race for promotion places is fiercely contested, with Chipping Sodbury Town Reserves, AFC Mangotsfield, and Bedminster Down separated by the finest of margins.
Mid-table sides Pucklechurch Sports, Oldland Abbotonians Reserves, and Hambrook & Brimsham United remain well placed to challenge, while Lion, Cribbs A, and Hanham Athletic Reserves will be aiming to restore momentum in the second half of the campaign.
Remembering Tony Stone
Amid the action on the pitch, 2025 was also marked by the sad passing of Tony Stone, a figure whose contribution to local football was profound and far-reaching.
Tony will be remembered by many as the long-standing Honorary Treasurer of both the Bristol Premier Combination and the Bristol & District Leagues, where he worked tirelessly to ensure clubs maintained their accounts with integrity. His influence extended well beyond league administration, playing a vital role within the Gloucestershire FA management structure and helping to shape the County Association into what it is today.
Elected to the GFA Council in 1970, Tony became a Life Member and later served as Finance Director from 2005 to 2019. He also contributed significantly as a member of the General Purposes Committee and the Rules Revision & League Sanction Committee.
His football journey began as a player with Bristol Manor Farm, before injury in 1969 led him to qualify as a referee the following year. He went on to officiate in the Football Combination during the 1979/80 season and served as a Football League assistant referee from 1980/81 until his retirement in 1991.
After stepping away from refereeing, Tony returned to administration, serving as Treasurer for the Bristol Regional Sunday League and later the Bristol Premier Combination and Bristol & District Leagues. He also held the role of Director at the Western League and supported clubs across the region through ground grading inspections.
An Exciting Second Half Awaits
From championship celebrations and cup success to fiercely contested promotion races and moments of reflection, 2025 has been a year that encapsulates everything the Uhlsport Bristol Premier Combination stands for.
With the second half of the 2025/26 season still to play, titles remain undecided, promotion battles are wide open, and every fixture carries significance. Supporters, players, and officials alike can look forward to an enthralling run-in as the league builds towards another memorable conclusion.
League table standings going into 2026
