England. National League Predictions, Matches & Live Chats
soccer
About the league
The England National League, formerly known as the Conference National, is the fifth tier of the English football league system. Founded in 1979, it is a professional association football league consisting of 24 teams. Top teams in the league include Chesterfield, Notts County, and Wrexham, with others competing for promotion to the English Football League (EFL). The competition format involves a double-round robin schedule, with the top team earning promotion to EFL League Two, while the next four teams compete in a playoff tournament for the second promotion spot. Notable achievements include the league's role in developing smaller clubs and its influence on English football's broader structure. The league attracts a dedicated fan base, primarily from local communities supporting their respective teams. As a feeder league to the EFL, the National League plays a vital role in the English football pyramid, providing a pathway for clubs to progress to higher divisions.