FA League Restructure
13 Jan 2012

THE FA is set to re-structure the National League System at Step 5 and 6, which would see the number of feeder leagues to Step 4 reduced from 14 to 12 from August 2013.

Slimbridge, Tytherington Rocks and Winterbourne United currently play in the Hellenic League, while Hallen and Almondsbury UWE are members of the Western League, but they could find themselves playing in new divisions in the proposed system.

With Step 4, which includes the Southern League, now established with six divisions and 12 possible relegation places, the Leagues Committee established a review group charged with the task of exploring the possibility of reducing the number of Step 5 Divisions.

At a meeting with all Step 5 leagues held on Sunday at Burton Albion FC, the review group presented how a new structure might look. The new structure would see 22 clubs in each Step 5 Division - there are currently 21 teams in the Hellenic Premier Division and 18 in the Western League Premier Division - but in the first season it could be up to 25 teams, with adjustments being made to the number of relegated clubs over the following one or two seasons.

To be included, clubs must achieve ground grading category F, as independently verified, by March 31, 2013.

The next stage of the consultation process sees all Step 5 clubs invited to attend a series of regional meetings to consider the current situation and have any concerns explained to them.

Based upon the feedback from both the leagues and clubs meetings, the Leagues Committee will determine the way forward. The review group will also be looking at Step 6 in more detail in the coming months.

Mike Appleby, Leagues and Clubs Manager, emphasised that this was very much work in progress.

He said: “There are a number of inaccurate rumours circulating at the present time and we must await the outcome of the consultation process before any final recommendation is made. “Part of the original aims of the restructure process was to try to equalise the travelling of clubs. It is inevitable therefore that some clubs will find an increase in their travel whilst some will see a reduction”

“The leagues themselves have asked that Step 5 and 6 be reviewed and we are following this through.”