The Mid Cheshire Association Football League was formally launched at a special meeting of the Northwich and District Football Association held at the Cock Hotel in Northwich, Cheshire, on Thursday 6 May 1948.  There had earlier been similarly named Leagues.  A Mid Cheshire League had been formed in 1906 but lasted just four seasons.  Another was established in 1919, but this too was short-lived and disbanded in 1926, after only seven seasons. 

The new Mid Cheshire Association Football League had no connection with any of these long defunct namesakes, which had been for amateur clubs only.  The Mid Cheshire Association Football League of 1948 was for both amateur and professional players, although the latter was restricted to two per team, per match. 

League headquarters were originally at the Cock Hotel, Northwich, Cheshire: however since 1971, the League has been based at Winnington Park Recreation Club, just over a mile from Northwich Town Centre.  The League is currently sponsored by Winnington Park Recreation Club, in association with Bass Brewers.  The League’s three cup competitions are currently sponsored by ICIS Clubwear Ltd. 

In the early days of the League, there was a limit placed upon the number of professional players a Club may field in any one match.  From 1966 however, the League has been open and in theory, matches can take place between teams composed entirely of contract players.  However, this is very unlikely since, of the 1,100+ players registered with the League, the vast majority are non-contract.

 When the League was founded in 1948, there were only 14 member Clubs.  The Golden Jubilee season of 1997/98 kicked off with two divisions, each of 16 Clubs.  A trophy is awarded to the Champion Club in each Division, with the Runners-Up also receiving a trophy.  There are also separate Challenge Cup Competitions, each run on a knock out basis, for the two divisions.  In addition, to mark the 50^th Anniversary of the foundation of the League in 1997/98, a third knock out competition was arranged.  This was open to members of both Divisions and the prize was the Jubilee Cup, which was won by Chorlton Town FC.  This Competition was replaced by the President’s Cup in 1998/99, the inaugural winners being Garswood United FC.

 Teams from the Mid Cheshire League also participate in competitions organised by The Football Association, and various County and District Football Associations.  In the past, Clubs entered many more than they do today.  However, in recent years, concern about fixture congestion has prompted the League to restrict its member Clubs to three outside competitions; The FA Vase, a County FA Cup and one other competition.

 Under the direction of the current League Council and Management Committee, the reputation of the League, for competitive football and sound administration, has been maintained and constantly enhanced.

 More than 100 teams, including reserves, have participated in the Mid Cheshire League since its foundation in 1948.  Only four Clubs, Barnton, Lostock Gralam, Knutsford and Whitchurch Alport, remain of the 14 founding members.  Lostock Gralam are in their second spell of membership, having resigned in 1975 and rejoined the League in 1993.  Barnton, Knutsford and Whitchurch Alport have therefore been in continuous membership of the League, since its inception.  Barnton have the distinction of having played all their Mid Cheshire League football in the top division, whilst Knutsford and Whitchurch Alport have each had a spell in Division Two.  Linotype, who joined the League in its second season in 1949/50, have been members ever since, whilst Linotype Reserves have been ever present in Division Two.