Could 1874 Northwich be promoted as part of NLS restructure?
The last time 1874 played at home, against West Auckland in the FA Vase on December 5. Picture: Karl Brooks Photography Garry Clarke casts his eye over restructuring possibilities in the National League System DESPITE the 2020/21 season for “non elite” football teams being brought to an end, could 1874 Northwich still be promoted to the Northern Premier League? For a number years the Football Association have carried out numerous reshuffles of the myriad of football leagues which make up the non-league system with the ultimate aim of creating a pure 1-2-4-8-16 pyramid with the National League sitting at the top feeding into the Football League.
Steps 3-6 of the NLS have been fully suspended since 4 January
Our alliance and leagues committees have now considered the large amount of data and information submitted by clubs across the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6 as part of a survey to gather views on the continuation or conclusion of the 2020-21 league season, in addition to the information set out in the Government’s roadmap this week.
Submissions were made by 99.1 per cent of clubs at Steps 3 and 4, and 95.8 per cent of clubs at Steps 5 and 6. We would like to thank the clubs for submitting their views and the time taken in providing responses during what we appreciate is an incredibly challenging period for everyone.
Announcement marks first round of funding from Government’s Sports Winter Survival Package
Confirmation that clubs in National League Steps 1 and 2 can apply for grants if their imminent future is at risk and they can demonstrate loans are unaffordable
The funding will be provided in the form of grants. Clubs in Steps 3-6 will be contacted directly by the Football Foundation with full details and will be able to make an application from tomorrow. Funds will be distributed quickly to clubs through the Football Stadia Improvement Fund.
It is the first award to be announced from the Government’s £300 million Sports Winter Survival Package that is focused on helping those major spectator sports severely impacted by coronavirus restrictions survive the winter.
2:58 Rob Dorsett reports for Sky Sports News after the Premier League announces the introduction of tightened Covid-19 protocols following an increase in outbreaks within clubs Independent of that survey, all three of the Trident League s boards hold the view that the season should cease immediately and be declared null and void. The ultimate decision lies with The FA Council, following a proposal made by the Alliance Committee but no proposal will be drafted until clubs views have been collated and assessed. In the meantime, the Northern Premier League is postponing all fixtures up to and including Saturday 6th March since there is no suggestion that the national lockdown will be lifted prior to this date.