8th tier club Mousehole apply for voluntary relegation as they explain making decision behind a “strategic reset”.
They spent three seasons in the Southern League – South Division since being promoted to it in the 2022–23 season, becoming only the second Cornish side to reach step four of the non league football pyramid.
They finished 5th in their first season (2023/24), 58 points from 36 games played, losing 3-0 to Frome in the playoff semi final.
Then for 2024/25, they ended up 6th with 72 points from 42 games played, 2 points from the playoff places. But this season, finished 17th with 45 points, two points above the drop zone.
CLUB STATEMENT: A NEW CHAPTER
Mousehole AFC can confirm it is applying for voluntary relegation from the Southern League to the South West Peninsula League for 2026/27.
This is a strategic reset designed to help the club regroup, rebuild sustainably and strengthen football… pic.twitter.com/Ti5gf7GERZ
— 𝗠𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗙𝗖 (@MouseholeAFC) May 8, 2026
They said in a statement on the 8th of May:
Following careful consideration, Mousehole AFC can confirm that the club is proposing a strategic reset by applying for voluntary relegation from the Southern League Division One South and seeking entry into the South West Peninsula League for the 2026/27 season.
After reviewing all options, the board believes that taking a step back now provides the best platform to rebuild on stronger and more sustainable foundations for the future.
Over the past decade, Mousehole AFC has been on one of the most remarkable journeys in Cornish football. Together, players, staff, volunteers, supporters and sponsors have helped take a small village club in West Cornwall to a level many thought impossible. Along the way, we have celebrated league titles, unforgettable occasions, national recognition, and created a football club that has become one of the most recognised and respected in Cornwall.
The club would like to place on record its heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to that journey. From volunteers and supporters to players, coaches, sponsors and local businesses, this rise simply would not have been possible without the dedication, belief and commitment of so many people across our community.
But the reality is that the financial demands of operating at Step 4 level — particularly given our location at the far western edge of the country — have increased significantly in recent years. Rising travel and operational costs, infrastructure requirements, the impact of VAT, and debt accumulated during the club’s rapid growth mean that now is the right moment to regroup, reassess and build again from a position of strength.
Importantly, this is not a step back in ambition. It is a step forward in strategy.
With key foundations already in place — including improved infrastructure, growing support, a strong identity within the community and beyond, and the opportunities created by the new road development at Trungle Parc — the club believes it is well-positioned to take a more deliberate and sustainable approach moving forward.
The focus for the upcoming period will include:
– Strengthening youth pathways and local engagement
– Building a robust and aligned leadership team on and off the pitch
– Developing a sustainable commercial model
– Reducing long-term reliance on benefactors
– Maximising the opportunities created by the club’s infrastructure and new road development
– Continuing to grow football opportunities across youth, women’s and men’s football
Our aim is to create a genuine community-driven football club that can thrive for generations to come, while continuing to represent West Cornwall with pride.
The long-term vision remains clear. We have not given up on the dream of top-level football in West Cornwall. Far from it. This is a moment to reflect, reset and work relentlessly towards creating a football club capable of achieving great things again in the future — but this time on the strongest and most sustainable foundations possible.
Chair Deryk Heywood said:
“Mousehole AFC has always tried to do the right thing, not simply the easy thing. This decision reflects our commitment to protecting the long-term future of the football club and building something sustainable for our players, supporters and wider community.
“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved over the last few years. The journey this club has been on has been extraordinary. But now is the time to regroup, reconnect with our community roots, and make sure that whatever comes next is built to last.
“This is not the end of ambition at Mousehole AFC. It is the beginning of a new chapter.”
Here’s how fans reacted after hearing that the 8th tier club have took to apply for voluntary relegation as they explain the decision behind a “strategic reset”…
@UpTheWakes: Really sad to read but not unsurprising! That’s two from the same league after Portishead ground grading demotion! Step 4 is tough financially let alone with their massive travel!
@YouYeltz: I always feel a bit deflated when I see clubs taking voluntary relegation but then, at the same time, I struggle to see how clubs like Mousehole can survive, let alone compete, with this amount of travel. It’s hard to know what the best solution is, really.
@NonLeagueMaps: @BourneTownFC, @SportingKhalsa or @WillandRovers, @BashleyFootball this news alongside Portishead affects reprieves for 2 of you.
@VFTAE: It’s happening more and more. It’s increasingly difficult to be financially sustainable. Admittedly, Mousehole will have acute travel cost challenges. Best wishes to ’em 💪
@zz511965: As a Didcot fan who travelled down, I’d like to thank you for your excellent hospitality. You are awesome. Football is not sustainable geographically at Southern League level. Games which are over 250 miles away and involve 2 full days of travelling are quite frankly lunacy.
@Sherpa_Lard: Travelled down to watch melksham play you this season. Amazing ground and super friendly club. All the best for the upcoming seasons
@wheeler182: That’s a real shame. As a Melksham fan Mousehole away, (although the longest trip) used to be the one I looked forward to the most. Good luck in whatever happens.
@tigerroarcouk: such a shame, the pyramid needs to stretch it’s geography and it was bold of Mousehole to try but taking two hours to get out of Cornwall and then onto an away game must take it’s toll.
@ayresy76: Travelled down last season with Thatcham Town and must say I cant think of a friendlier club and set of fans that couldn’t do enough for us. Good luck in your new chapter 👍 Oh and those pasties were 💯
@thefarmilybmf: Sad to hear this, a long but always fun away day for us in the Farmy Army. Well run club and play football the right way. Good luck and maybe see you again in the future. (Ps – can we have Josh Bisset back please!?🙏)
@RonaldA90333864: Must have been a hard decision to make but a decision to be made with a heavy heart. All the best for the future.
@ScaleSilver49: Gutting news must be travel difficulty sad to see, non league football needs more support