How is football organized in England ?
The structure of football divisions in England can appear quite intricate, especially for those new to the sport. In simple terms, the English football league system is organised into multiple “tiers” or “levels.” These levels allow clubs of varying sizes, from the most prestigious to the more modest, to compete. In this article, we’ll break down each level of English football and their key objectives. From the Premier League down to the regional and local leagues, here is a clear overview of this pyramid system :
The Premier League : The Pinnacle of English Football.
The Premier League represents the highest level of football in England. For the 2024-2025 season, it consists of 20 clubs. These teams battle it out throughout the season for the title of English champion, as well as for qualification spots in European competitions (Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League). At the end of the season, the team finishing in 18th place plays a relegation play-off, and the bottom two teams are relegated to the EFL Championship.
Main objectives in the Premier League :
- Win the English Premier League title.
- Qualify for European competitions.
- Avoid relegation to the Championship.
The EFL Championship : The Second Tier of Professional Football
Below the Premier League, the EFL Championship consists of 24 teams competing for promotion to the Premier League. The top two teams automatically gain promotion to the top flight, while the teams finishing 3rd to 6th enter a play-off for the final promotion spot. The bottom three teams are relegated to League One.
Main objectives in the EFL Championship :
- Gain promotion to the Premier League.
- Avoid relegation to League One.
League One : The Third Tier of Professional Football
League One is the third tier of English football and includes 24 clubs. The top two teams automatically gain promotion to the Championship, while the next four teams compete in a play-off for the third promotion spot. The bottom four teams are relegated to League Two.
Main objectives in League One :
- Gain promotion to the EFL Championship.
- Avoid relegation to League Two.
League Two : The Fourth Tier of Professional Football
League Two is the fourth tier, consisting of 24 clubs. The top three teams are automatically promoted to League One, while the 4th to 7th place teams compete in a play-off for the fourth promotion spot. The bottom two teams are relegated to the National League.
Main objectives in League Two :
- Gain promotion to League One.
- Avoid relegation to the National League.
The National League : The Fifth Tier – The Bridge to Professional Football
The National League is the highest level of non-league football in England, sitting just below the EFL. It consists of 24 clubs, with the top team automatically promoted to League Two. The second-placed team enters a play-off for promotion. The bottom four teams are relegated to the National League North or South, which are regional leagues at the sixth tier.
Main objectives in the National League :
- Gain promotion to League Two.
- Avoid relegation to the National League North or South.
National League North and South : Regional Divisions.
Below the National League are the National League North and South, which are regional leagues at the sixth tier of English football. These divisions contain clubs spread across the north and south of England, respectively. The champions of each league are promoted to the National League, while the bottom three teams are relegated to the relevant regional leagues.
Main objectives in National League North and South :
- Gain promotion to the National League.
- Avoid relegation to the regional leagues.
Regional and County Leagues : Grassroots Football.
Below the National League North and South, the football pyramid continues with various regional and county leagues. These leagues represent smaller clubs from local areas and are largely amateur. The structure of these leagues can vary depending on the region, but they form an essential part of the English football ecosystem, providing a foundation for grassroots players to develop their skills. The best teams can rise up the ranks through promotion, while the lowest-performing clubs face relegation to even lower divisions.
Main objectives in regional and county leagues :
- Represent their local area with pride.
- Reach higher divisions through success in competitions.
A Pyramid System That Creates Opportunities.
The football pyramid system in England allows clubs of all levels to aspire to reach the top, depending on their performance on the pitch. This system also offers players the chance to progress through increasingly competitive leagues, from the amateur ranks all the way to the professional game.
Understanding the structure of English football divisions helps to appreciate the diversity and vibrancy of the football landscape. Whether following the Premier League’s top teams or supporting local clubs in the regional leagues, each level plays a crucial role in maintaining the fabric of English football. This divisional organisation fosters competition, supports player development, and ensures the sport remains alive and thriving in local communities.