Places in England With No Football Team or League Clubs

Football runs through everyday life in England, with clubs embedded in most cities and plenty of smaller places, too. Even so, there are pockets on the map where no local team plays in the main leagues.

This blog post explores why that happens, how widespread it is, and what it means for supporters. It also looks at where people turn when their area isn’t represented near the top.

If you’re curious about which places miss out and what fans do instead, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn more.

Why Are Some Places in England Without a Football Team?

There isn’t usually one clear answer. In some areas, especially those that are quieter or less built-up, the numbers simply aren’t there to maintain a team over time. Without enough people regularly turning up or helping out behind the scenes, things can become difficult to manage.

In other cases, the closeness of a bigger side can make a difference. If a more established club is nearby, many locals might already feel connected to it, leaving fewer who would support something closer to home.

There’s also the question of what it takes to keep things going. It’s not just about having a pitch—there are other demands, from keeping facilities usable to covering costs for travel and staffing. Places with fewer resources often find this harder to maintain.

Some areas once had clubs that no longer exist. In those cases, bringing a team back requires more than just enthusiasm. It needs time, effort, and people willing to stick with it.

So, how widespread is this across the country?

How Many Areas in England Have No League Club?

There are 72 clubs in the English Football League (EFL), which covers the Championship, League One, and League Two. That might sound like a lot, but there are still many towns and communities that don’t have an EFL side within easy reach.

In fact, some counties don’t have one at all. Others may have teams, but only in places that require a lengthy trip—something that’s felt more strongly in large rural areas or along distant coastlines. One widely mentioned example is Rutland, which does not have an EFL club.

When there’s no team nearby, people often support one from the next town over, or stick with a side that’s been in the family for generations. Even without a matchday on the doorstep, the connection stays alive.

Places in England Without a Football Team in the Top Leagues

Zooming in further, the very top tiers—the Premier League and the Championship—leave out a fair few places as well. These are the most prominent competitions, yet some sizeable areas still don’t have a club in either.

In those locations, local football might be represented by teams in divisions slightly further down. For example, clubs in League One, League Two, or even outside the EFL altogether. Places like Plymouth and Portsmouth have seen their clubs drop below the top two tiers at various points, and others like Wakefield or Gateshead have never had teams at those levels.

Supporters in these areas tend to keep involved in different ways—backing lower-division clubs, travelling now and then, or watching matches from afar.

So, what about places where there isn’t a professional team at any level?

Which Towns and Cities Do Not Have a Professional Football Club?

Some larger places still don’t have a team in what are often referred to as the professional tiers—that is, the Premier League and the three EFL divisions.

In some of these areas, football hasn’t disappeared entirely—far from it. But the local side might be playing in non-league competitions, which sit just below those top four levels. In a few cases, the spotlight might shine more on another sport, or perhaps the local club never made the leap up the divisions.

Examples of Well-Known Towns Without League Clubs

Wakefield is one of the most often-mentioned cities without a club in the professional tiers. Gateshead is another—the club there plays below the top four levels. These aren’t isolated cases.

Towns like Kidderminster and Basingstoke have dedicated local followings, even though their teams currently play outside the EFL. And plenty of other places are in similar situations—some with strong non-league teams, others where formal football structures are harder to come by.

Even when a professional side isn’t present, interest in the sport tends to stay strong. So where does that energy go?

Do Smaller Communities Still Follow Football Without a Local Team?

A lack of a nearby professional club doesn’t stop people from staying connected to football. Many simply support a team from a neighbouring area—often one tied to their family or a place where they’ve spent time.

Modern coverage makes it easier than ever to stay engaged. TV broadcasts, match commentaries, and online platforms all help fans follow their team, wherever it might be. Some take the occasional trip to watch games live, while others prefer keeping things local with non-league fixtures that offer a different kind of matchday.

In many places, football is also kept alive through schools, youth setups, and community groups. These offer training, games, and weekend tournaments, making sure people stay involved in ways that suit their location.

What Options Do Fans Have If Their Area Has No Football Club?

Even without a local club at the top levels, fans have plenty of ways to stay part of the sport.

Some follow a club from the next town, building their weekends around broadcasts, updates, and the odd journey to a live match. Others get behind a nearby non-league team, where it’s easier to feel part of the crowd and enjoy a closer-knit atmosphere.

Community football offers another path—playing, helping out on matchdays, or supporting grassroots events. There’s also growing interest in women’s football, youth academies, and cup matches that bring bigger clubs to local grounds now and then.

If you choose to place a bet on football, set clear boundaries for yourself. Make use of tools available through licensed providers and avoid going beyond what you’re comfortable with. Wherever you’re based, there’s always a way to stay close to the game that works for your own situation.

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}