The History of the York Minster Engineering Football League

When the league was formed in the late 1800s, association football was just beginning to gather popularity in England. The Football League itself had only begun nine years before the York League, it was also founded prior to the city's now primary team York City. Upon the league's formation, nine teams entered into the league, the founding clubs were:


* Acomb
* Bishopthorpe
* Easingwold
* Ebor Wanderers
* Rowntrees
* Ulleskelf
* York St. Clements
* York Trinity
* York Wednesday

Throughout the league's history, the only club from the first ever season to continue in an unbroken existence are Rowntrees (now known as Nestlé Rowntree). However, Bishopthorpe United, Easingwold Town and St. Clements are at present still playing in the York League system, after refounding at various points.

Acomb and Rowntrees (along with fellow league team, York YMCA) also went on to become founding members of the Yorkshire League for the 1920-21 season.[2]

Some teams from the York League have climbed the football ladder in the past; Pickering Town played in the league before gaining promotion in 1972. They are currently in the Northern Counties East Premier Division. Also, York Railway Institute and Rowntrees have been crowned champions of the Northern Counties East League Division One during the 1980s.

Recent times

Today it has a total of seven divisions including the York League Premier Division which sits at level 14 of the English football league system. In recent times Dringhouses have been the most dominant side, however they have turned down the opportunity to progress out of the York League system.

Former professional footballers with York City now play in the league, including; Andy McMillan and Christian Fox (now at Dringhouses).