9th tier club Boro Rangers FC announce ‘with great regret’ the decision to withdraw from their league ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Northern League Division One side, who lost to Shildon in the playoff semi final in April, confirmed chairman and secretary Mark Curtis was leaving from roles with the men’s first team, but will stay on with the club’s junior sides.
He said his decision came down to personal factors and said they are facing a potential closure of the senior team unless they can receive support, including new sponsors and financial investment.
But now, it has been confirmed in a statement on the 30th of June they have resigned with immediate effect.
Club Statement ⬇️#UTBR❤️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/pIdx7eozEj
— Boro Rangers FC (@bororangers) June 30, 2026
Boro Rangers FC said: “It is with great regret that we announce that, with immediate effect, the Senior Men’s team will be withdrawing from the Ebac Northern League.
“This decision has not been taken lightly and follows extensive consideration of the club’s current position.
“While the commitment and dedication shown by our players, coaching staff, volunteers and supporters has never wavered, a combination of factors has made it increasingly difficult to sustain the team at the level required.
“These challenges include limited resources, difficulties in filling key operational and administrative roles, a shortage of matchday volunteers, and uncertainty surrounding the infrastructure developments needed to support the club’s future ambitions.
“After exploring all available options, we have reluctantly concluded that continuing the men’s team is no longer feasible at this time.
“The club would like to place on record its sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported the men’s team throughout its journey, including players past and present, coaching staff, matchday volunteers, sponsors and our loyal supporters.
“We would also like to wish every player and member of the management team every success in the next chapter of their footballing journey, and we thank them for the commitment, professionalism and pride they have shown in representing Boro Rangers.
“We are immensely proud of everything the team has achieved, from our time in the Teesside League, through the North Riding Premier Division, and most recently competing in the Northern League, FA Cup and FA Vase.
“Along the way, the club secured back-to-back play-off positions in the Ebac Northern League First Division, reached two North Riding Senior Cup Finals at the Riverside Stadium, and created countless memories that will remain a lasting part of the club’s history.
“These achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion shown by everyone involved with Boro Rangers over the years.
“We would also like to thank the Ebac Northern League and its member clubs for their support and competition over the years, and we wish everyone the very best for the season ahead and the future.
“While this chapter comes to an end, the legacy of the team and its achievements will not be forgotten.”
The Northern League said: “We can confirm that this morning Boro Rangers submitted their resignation from the Ebac Northern League with immediate effect.
“Boro Rangers joined the league in 2022 and gained promotion in their first season to the First Division. They have been a valued member of the league throughout their time with us.
“Their resignation will be discussed at the next League Management Committee meeting and a further update will be provided after this time.”
9th tier club faces uncertain times with “devastating” prospect of folding
Here’s how fans reacted as 9th tier club announce the decision to withdraw from their league ahead of the 2026/27 season…
@LRbix: Sad to see honestly hope the club gets back on its feet some day 🙏🏻
@AshleyM83162418: Sad to see 👎🏻
@Cannygang4: This is really sad news for everyone involved in the club.
Steven Pippen: Just goes to show how many team live on the brink, had a chance of promotion last season and all it takes is 1 money man to pull the plug and there is no contingency plan, add to that the silly money being banded around these days in non-league football for player wages these days
Clive Bush: Lots on the brink. Look at Aycliffe and Shildon both paying peanuts and struggling to attract players as they all want big money to play.
Ian Kelsey: Costs a small fortune to run a football club even at Northern League level.
Dennis William: So sad to hear this as a Horden fan and would like to wish you all the very best for the future the league will be a poorer place without you. I really hope you can get everything sorted financially and behind the scenes and comeback stronger and our paths can cross once again one day.
Aaron Ward: 🥺 devoed for the team , Ben , sheety etc all the hard work they have put in for numerous years 👎🏼 Best of luck lads ❤️💙
Nick Cann: Sad times for everyone involved in the first team. We only attended a couple of games last season but could see they had a great team and set up. Good luck to all the players and management team in finding new clubs
David Leopard: What a ride for all involved im personally gutted for everyone involved top bunch of men 👏 uts utbr shame but everyone should be massively proud of what was achieved over the last 20 yrs unreal fellas 👌
Ted Whitehead: Not having a team from Boro in the Northern lge is a sad state of affairs with the businesses around our town, and 1 man doing the chairman & secretary role must of been difficult? Then resign 6 weeks before the season starts? Great preparation for Ben and the boys. Hold yer heads high fellas 💙
Jon Kamara: Absolutely gutted had some great times home and away with this team made friends for life coming here , added to the 1s I already to all the players hope you all get sorted with new clubs or whatever you decide to do , to the 1s that already had good luck , to all the management and committee thank you for everything you have done Boro Rangers Football Club for life thanks for the memories 🔴⚪️⚽️
Debbie Horner: Very sad, especially for all the players who have worked so hard to get to where they were 💔💔💔💔
Jodie Brown: Devastating 😞 Thank you all for everything given for Jayden last season hopefully all stay In touch along the way , good luck to the team and all involved in there next journeys ⚽
