Two new clubs joined the league: Reserve sides are not eligible for promotion to Step 5.
With the news that Tiverton Town Reserves were resigning from the league for financial reasons at the end of the season,[2] only one club would be relegated from the Premier Division.
Division One East featured 18 clubs, the same as the previous season, after Tiverton Town Reserves were promoted to the Premier Division, Okehampton Argyle were relegated, and two new clubs joined: Division One West featured 18 clubs, increased from 17 the previous season, after Plymouth Argyle Reserves were promoted to the Premier Division, and two new clubs joined: Several clubs have applied for promotion to the SWPL for the 2017–18 season.
Their success will depend on finishing in the top three in their respective leagues and other factors including ground facilities.
The following clubs have applied for promotion to Division One East and West for next season, and have either passed or failed the ground grading process: