3UP

The National League’s 3UP campaign aims to establish three promotion places into EFL League Two, bringing it into line with the rest of the professional football pyramid.

Implementing 3UP will increase fairness of the whole system and provide more inspiration to National League clubs, fans and their communities.

Levelling up the league with the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) will provide long-term economic benefits and stability to National League clubs plus the local business infrastructures around them. 

There are 72 teams in the National League’s three division system plus dozens more clubs currently competing in the EFL that have benefitted from their time in the National League.

This is why for all our current clubs, fans and communities – this change is a no-brainer. 

The 3UP Campaign has also gained overwhelming support from the wider football family: governing bodies, other leagues, EFL clubs and their fans, the Football Supporters’ Association, sports media outlets and organisations plus UK politicians from all parties.

At a time where the governance of the game is under more scrutiny and debate than ever, and with a new government regulator set to be introduced, 3UP appears to be the simplest improvement to our football pyramid that everyone can get behind.

So, what’s the hold up?

The EFL holds the key to making this change because 3UP would of course mean three relegations from EFL League Two into the National League.  Therefore, the change requires an amendment to the EFL’s current rules following a vote of member clubs.

The EFL’s position is that any implementation of 3UP should be part of a wider, fundamental reform of the domestic football pyramid across multiple areas.  This stalemate has been the case for several years – and could take several more to resolve.

From the National League’s perspective, it has been 23 years since they were awarded a second promotional place – which has immeasurably benefitted clubs and communities.  National League clubs can’t wait any longer.

During this 23-year period, the business of football has changed beyond recognition and exponentially increased in complexity.  Yet, this straightforward change to bring parity of the leagues remains unresolved.  This is why the National League feels that 3UP should not be contingent on other areas of the game and urges the EFL to put football first.