After a summer where England, yet again, fell so agonisingly short of major tournament success, the grassroots scene returned to much quieter fanfare but with the same drama and intrigue as always.
Welcoming four new teams this season in the shape of Heysham Bay, Storeys of Lancaster 'A', Milnthorpe Corinthians Reserves and Kendal United Reserves, the season kicked off with fifty-three teams across four divisions.
On Saturday, August 1, with the county bathed in glorious sunshine throughout, the 2026/2027 season got underway.
In division two, Burneside hosted Braithwaite in their first game in their new surroundings following promotion last season.
Will Chambers, Andrew Gaskarth and Hayden Millar were on target in a 3-2 win with Ryan Lamb and Jack Farley netting in vain for Braithwaite.
Penrith Reserves, renamed from Penrith Academy, were involved in a thriller against Scorton Saints, also playing their first game in division two, as they triumphed by four goals to three.
Ollie Rebanks, Jamie Dent and two from Darcy Lee securing the points.
Robert Vizor, James Sutton and an own goal for Scorton.
Cartmel and District Reserves started life in division three with a 3-3 draw against Burton Thistle Reserves.
Kirkby Lonsdale Reserves and Millhead drew 1-1 while Storeys of Lancaster 'A' got off to a perfect start with a 4-2 win over Lunesdale United.
Finding themselves 2-0 down, Storeys fought back to claim the win.
In division four, Ibis Reserves comfortably saw off Burneside Reserves 5-0 with goals from Caelum Chapman (2), Daniel Gould, Sam Coates, and Reece Johnson.
Heysham Bay's start to life in the Westmorland League could not have got off to a better start with a 10-1 hammering of Lunesdale Reserves.
Leon Bartholomew, Kieran Potter, Craig Smith, Ricky Ball, Jonny Durnan, Jacob Taylor (2) and a hat-trick from Aaron Hoyle sealing the win.
Last midweek, Wetheriggs got their division one title defence off to a perfect start with a 2-1 win over Appleby.