. / Michael Regan/Getty Images
The English football league system, also known as the English soccer pyramid, is the framework for men’s soccer leagues in England.
One of the most extensive in world soccer, the pyramid spans every corner of the country and even extends into Wales and the surrounding islands — Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.
At the summit of the pyramid is the Premier League — widely seen as the pinnacle of elite soccer — while at the bottom are countless amateur leagues spanning the entire nation. In between are the English Football League (EFL) divisions and the National League system.
Teams move between divisions within the pyramid through promotion and relegation.
Given its stature, the English football league system can be complex, but we’ve broken it down to help you understand how each club and league fits into the bigger picture.
The English football league system consists of seven main stages, with Stage 1 representing the top level — the Premier League.
This is followed by Stage 2, the Championship, the second-highest division in English soccer. Stage 3 is League One, and Stage 4 is League Two, completing the fully professional league structure.
Stage 5 features the National League, the first semi-professional tier in the English soccer pyramid.
Beyond this, the structure becomes more regionalized. Stage 6 is split into two divisions — the National League North and National League South. Stage 7 expands further, consisting of four leagues: the Northern Premier League Premier Division, Southern Football League Premier Central, Southern Football League Premier South, and Isthmian League Premier Division.
Below this level, the pyramid continues with even more regional leagues, extending all the way down to the 10th tier and beyond, where thousands of clubs compete in local divisions, all with the potential to climb the ranks through promotion.
The Premier League, …
Read More
