National League System

The National League System is the framework that organizes men’s football below the English Football League (EFL). It provides a structured, tiered pathway for clubs to progress based on sporting merit, linking grassroots and semi-professional football with the professional game. Since the 2020-21 season, the NLS has spanned from Step 1 (the National division of the National League) down to Step 6, beyond which are regional feeder leagues under the stewardship of County FAs, with promotion and relegation linking each level.

At the top of the NLS sits the National League, which is Step 1 and directly beneath League Two of the EFL. It consists of 24 clubs competing nationally. Below it, Step 2 is divided into the National League North and South, offering more regionalised competition. Steps 3 and 4 split into four and eight divisions respectively, overseen by the 'Trident Leagues': the Northern Premier League, the Southern League, and the Isthmian League. Steps 5 and 6 feature further regional divisions, encompassing hundreds of clubs across the country.

The National League plays a crucial bridging role. It is the highest non-League competition, featuring fully professional and semi-professional sides, and serves as the final step before entry into the EFL. This structure ensures clubs at every level can aspire to climb the pyramid, while maintaining competitive balance and sustainability across the game.