Football League Third Division North facts for kids

The Third Division North was a football league in England that existed from 1921 to 1958. It was the third level of the English football league system, running alongside the Third Division South. Teams were placed into either the North or South division based on where they were located. Sometimes, clubs from the central part of England would switch between the two divisions.

This league was a stepping stone for many teams. Clubs could be promoted to a higher division if they did well. The last season for the Third Division North was 1957–58. After that, the North and South divisions joined together. They formed the Third Division and the Fourth Division, changing how English football leagues were organized.

Original Teams: The Founding Clubs

When the Third Division North started in 1921, 20 teams were part of it. These clubs helped create the history of this league. Here are the teams that played in its very first season:

• Accrington Stanley
• Ashington
• Barrow
• Chesterfield
• Crewe Alexandra
• Darlington
• Durham City
• Grimsby Town
• Halifax Town
• Hartlepools United
• Lincoln City
• Nelson
• Rochdale
• Southport
• Stalybridge Celtic
• Stockport County
• Tranmere Rovers
• Walsall
• Wigan Borough
• Wrexham

League Winners: Third Division North Champions

Over the years, many teams won the Third Division North title. Winning the league meant they were the best team that season and often earned promotion. Here is a list of all the champions:

More About Football Leagues

If you want to learn more about other football leagues, check out these pages:

• Football League Third Division South
• Football League Third Division