By Middlesbrough FC

On Friday, the FA announced the allocations for every division in the women’s football pyramid, which saw three new additions into Boro’s division. 

Middlesbrough FC Women currently play in the Women’s National League Division One North, which is the fourth tier in the English league system. 

The Outgoings

After an enthralling title race, which went to the very last day, Newcastle United edged Durham Cestria to the league title and ultimately promotion to tier three. Only one team goes up in this division which means Durham Cestria remain in the league for the 2023/24 season. 

Unfortunately at the other end of the table, Bradford City and Merseyrail were the two sides that have been relegated to tier five. 

The Newcomers

Following their relegation from Division One in the season prior, Chester-le-Street Town have wasted no time in earning their spot back in the fourth tier, winning the North East Regional Womens Football League Premier Division, dropping only five points all season in the process. 

Similarly to Chester-le-Street, FC United of Manchester have also been promoted back into the league at the first time of asking, winning the North West Womens Regional League with 15 wins in 20 games. 

The final side coming into the league are the historic Doncaster Rovers Belles. The six-time FA Cup winners have been moved across into the Northern division from the Midlands division, where they finished in an impressive second place, eight points behind the league winners Stourbridge last season. 

The Remaining Sides 

Norton and Stockton Ancients remain the closest game for Boro, with only 2.2 miles separating the two home grounds. 

The before-mentioned Durham Cestria are the fourth and final North East side in the league. 

York City, Leeds United, Barnsley and Hull City are the fellow Yorkshire-based clubs in the division. 

The furthest journey remains Stockport County, with 116 miles the difference between Middlesbrough’s home ground at Stockton Town and Stockport's. Stockport County's Lancashire neighbours Chorley total up the 12 teams in the league for the 23/24 season. 

The full division in alphabetical order: Barnsley, Chester-le-Street Town, Chorley, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Durham Cestria, FC United of Manchester, Hull City, Leeds United, Middlesbrough, Norton and Stockton Ancients, Stockport County, York City. 

More news regarding fixtures and opposing teams' primary home grounds will be revealed within the coming weeks.