Bemerton Heath Harlequins FC take voluntary relegation
The side is stepping down from the Southern League
One of Salisbury's football clubs is taking voluntary relegation this season - for their 'long-term sustainability'.
Bemerton Heath Harlequins have been competing in the Southern League Division One South for the last couple of campaigns, finishing in a respectable 7th place this time around.
But the Western Way club say they're choosing to step back down to the lower level Wessex Premier League for next season.
They've said the decision comes 'after careful consideration'.
In a statement, the club's said:
"Bemerton Heath Harlequins Football Club can confirm that, after careful consideration, the club has made the difficult decision to accept voluntary relegation from the Southern League. We will compete in the Wessex Premier League for the 2025/26 season.
"This decision has been made with the long-term sustainability of the club in mind. Our focus is on building a strong foundation rooted in local talent, players who are passionate about representing our badge and our community. While this represents a step back in the short term, we firmly believe it’s a necessary move to allow us to grow and move forward in the years ahead.
"We look forward to welcoming our incredible supporters back to the A Class Arena next season, where we’re excited to reignite some classic local rivalries."
Those rivalries will include games in the next campaign against the likes of Laverstock & Ford and Downton, who play in the Wessex Premier already.