Last updated : Friday, 12 April 2024
Introduction
The National League is the top tier of non-League football in England. It is a nationwide division of 24 clubs, and is the lowest level with a single nationwide league.
The league is also known as "step 1" of the National League System (NLS), which is a set of leagues that run from level 5 to level 10 of the English football league system.
The National League was founded in 2004, following the merger of the Football Conference and the Isthmian League Premier Division.
Season structure
The National League season runs from August to May. Each club plays each other club twice, once at home and once away.
The top two clubs at the end of the season are promoted to League Two, the fourth tier of the English football league system. The bottom four clubs are relegated to the National League North or National League South, the two divisions below the National League.
Current season
The current season of the National League is the 2022-23 season. The current champions are Stockport County.
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