Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

National League North and South Stadiums & Stats

Blue Square North Trophy
Image: James Pope, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The National League, formerly known as the Football Conference, is an integral part of the English football system. While it may be considered the ‘non-league’ section, thousands of dedicated fans turn out week after week to support their teams.

In this article, we will focus on the National League North and the National League South, which are equal in status and sit on the second level of the pyramid. These divisions are geographically separated but offer the same level of competition.

Stadium Stats

Team Stats

Ticket Prices

National League North and South Stadiums

Aggborough Stadium, Kidderminster
Image: Roger Cornfoot / Aggborough Stadium, Kidderminster

In the world of football, nothing is ever certain. Teams that were once successful can find themselves in lower divisions, resulting in changes to the stadiums used for National League North and South matches. Some grounds can accommodate up to 10,000 spectators, while others are more modest, with capacities of around 5,000 or less. These stadiums typically have a mix of seating and standing areas.

About The League

National League North and South Territories
Image: English_ceremonial_counties_2010.svg: Nilfanionderivative work: Delusion23, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The National League North and South divisions are sponsored by Vanarama, giving them the official titles of Vanarama National League North and Vanarama National League South. Although they are separate divisions, they are on an equal footing. The geographical separation allows teams to minimize travel distances and associated costs.

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Each division consists of twenty-two teams. Newly promoted or demoted teams are placed in either the Northern or Southern division based on their location. The National League North encompasses teams from the North of England, North Wales, Norfolk, and the Midlands, whereas the National League South includes teams from more southern regions.

The top-placed team in each division earns automatic promotion to the National League. Additionally, there is a playoff between the teams finishing in 2nd to 5th place in each league. The three bottom-placed clubs are relegated from the division.

National League North and South History

National League North Fans
Image: Mattythewhite, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The National League North and South were established in 2004 as part of a major restructuring of English non-league football, known then as the Football Conference. They were initially referred to as Conference North and Conference South, injecting new life into the lower divisions of the game.

In 2006, the structure underwent further changes as the Conference National expanded from 22 to 24 teams. This allowed for four teams to be promoted and four to be relegated. Two teams entered both the Conference North and Conference South from the Conference National to maintain balance. The rebranding as the National League North and National League South took place in 2015.

FAQs

Conclusion

Remember to check out Movin993 for more information about the National League and its divisions.