3UP: It’s Time to Level the Playing Field

The National League’s 3UP campaign is calling for a simple but powerful change: three promotion places into EFL League Two.

It’s time to bring our league in line with the rest of the professional football pyramid.

Because right now, it’s not fair.

Every other level of professional football gives three clubs the chance to move up each season. Yet National League teams; full of ambition, investment, and heart are forced to compete for just two.

3UP would make the system fairer, restore balance, and open the door to opportunity for clubs, fans, and entire communities who live and breathe the game.

Fairness. Growth. Opportunity.

This isn’t just about football. It’s about fair access to the rewards of success and the hope that drives our sport.

Bringing the National League in line with the Premier League and the EFL would mean:

• More ambition and belief for clubs and communities.

• More investment and local economic growth.

• More stability for clubs who deserve the chance to rise.

With 72 teams across three divisions, and dozens more EFL clubs who’ve built their foundations in the National League, 3UP is not just reasonable, it’s overdue.

For every player, fan, and town that has poured its heart into this league, this change is a no-brainer.

Football Is United Behind 3UP

Support for 3UP is overwhelming.

From the Football Supporters’ Association to media voices, governing bodies, EFL clubs, their fans and even MPs from across the political spectrum, the message is clear: football wants this change.

At a time when the governance of our game is under more scrutiny than ever, and with an independent regulator on the horizon, 3UP stands out as a simple, popular, and positive reform everyone can get behind.

So, what’s holding us back?

The Roadblock

The answer lies with the EFL.

3UP would mean three teams moving up from the National League and three moving down from League Two. That requires a vote from EFL member clubs to amend their rules.

But the EFL insists that any change must be part of a much wider reform of the football pyramid; a process that has been stuck in limbo for years and could take many more to resolve.

23 Years Is Long Enough

It’s been 23 years since the National League was granted a second promotion place, a move that transformed clubs, communities, and the competitive balance of the game.

Since then, football has changed beyond recognition. The sport is bigger, richer, and more complex than ever. But this simple, fair improvement - 3UP - still hasn’t happened.

We’ve waited long enough.

3UP is not a radical overhaul. It’s a small step with a huge impact; one that rewards success, strengthens competition, and gives every club a fair shot at the dream.

The National League calls on the EFL to put football first and finally make promotion parity a reality.

Because when football is fair, everyone wins.

The National Football League is running a campaign to make this change happen and have organised a Day of Action this weekend with all National League games kicking off at 3.03pm.  There’s also a petition so Sign up below and get your voice heard.

https://www.thenationalleague.org.uk/3up/fan-toolkit