Step Six Application Process is now open
Tue 14th November 2023 | Announcements | By Gary Langley
The application process for Step Six of the National League System is now open and will remain so until 31st December 2023.Please find attached the relevant documentation, forms and link to application form for Clubs to complete who wish to be considered for promotion to Step 6 of the National League System from Regional NLS Feeder Leagues for the 2024-25 Season.
APPLICATIONS ARE MADE USING THE FOLLOWING LINK: ONLINE APPLICATION FORM (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/038c3decc7334eb188dd661dff4dc36e)
Availiable on request to the NWCFL and fro this evening on the Website are as follows:
Applications are now welcomed and the closing date is strictly December 31st 2023. All applications must be via the online form and the promotion application fee (£120) must be paid directly to The Football Association by BACS and instructions on how to do this are attached. Inspections are to be arranged by the Football Foundation Stadium Accreditation team and observers from proposed Step 6 Leagues are welcomed.
The process of promotion is outlined in the guide below.
If any interested clubs wish to have an advisory visit, please contact NWCFL League Secretary John Deal and include your own League Secretary.
The Step 6 Promotion Criteria:
Process
• The Football Association will manage the promotion process for all clubs seeking promotion from Regional NLS Feeder League level to Step 6 of the National League System. Clubs are reminded that there will be no automatic internal promotions.
• There will be a non refundable promotion application fee of £120 (inc VAT). A club will be eligible for one free stadium accreditation inspection (should one be required) which will be arranged by the Football Foundation Stadium Accreditation team. Additional visits requested by a club will be charged at £120 (inc VAT). It should be noted that the initial £120 (inc VAT) fee is a promotion application fee and not an inspection fee.
• Payment of the application fee will be by BACS directly to The Football Association, with details available in the ‘Payment Guidance’
• To be considered eligible for promotion clubs must complete thoroughly the online application form. Application forms must be accompanied by the relevant documents as listed in section five of the application.
Copy of Ground Share agreement or freehold documents or licence agreement or tenancy agreement (as applicable)
- Latest set of approved audited or certified annual accounts which cover the period between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023
- Copy of latest floodlight certificate (where applicable)
- Copy of latest artificial pitch Performance Test Certificate (where applicable)
- Completed Ground Grading Questionnaire (see the criteria in subsequent pages of this document)
- Evidence of any planning application if works are required.
• If you need to email any evidence additional to those submitted with the online form these should be sent to NLS@TheFA.com.
• Clubs are advised that any applications received after 31 December WILL NOT be accepted and are reminded of the need to complete their applications prior to the holiday period and via email if necessary
In addition to completing the application form and providing the necessary supporting documentation Clubs are asked to note the following:
• To be considered for promotion a club must finish in 1st position in their Feeder League competition at the conclusion of the current season. If a club finishing in 1st position does not wish to be considered for promotion, or fails the entry criteria, then a club finishing in 2nd position may be considered. If the club in 2nd does not seek promotion, or fails to meet the entry criteria, then clubs down to 5th position may be considered for promotion provided that they meet the appropriate entry criteria. Clubs finishing below 5th position MAY NOT be considered for promotion and, ordinarily, only ONE club will be promoted from each Feeder League competition. There will not be any more promotions from any feeder league.
• In order to be considered for promotion a club MUST comply fully with the requirements of Grading 7 as at 31st March 2024 (criteria included within this communication).
• Clubs may be considered for promotion without having floodlights in place however, those clubs without floodlights must comply with the following requirements as at 31 March 2024:
- Planning permission for the provision of floodlights MUST have been approved by the Local Authority. Planning number will be required.
- Evidence provided that funding applications have been submitted
- Evidence provided that the balance of any funding required is in place
- Evidence provided that quotations have been obtained from appropriate contractors (three quotes)
- Provide a copy of an appropriate development/installation plan
• Floodlights MUST be installed and in working order by 30th September 2024. Step 6 competitions would be at liberty to impose a penalty on any Club that failed to comply with this requirement. Clubs that fail to provide floodlights by 31 March 2025 WILL BE classified as a relegated club regardless of their finishing position at the conclusion of Season 2024- 2025. Note: the extension to 30th September does not apply for entry to The FA Vase. Clubs must fully comply with the H grade criteria before the commencement of the 2024-2025 season.
• Clubs promoted to Step 6 MUST comply fully with the requirements of Grading Category 6 by 31st March 2024. Clubs that fail to achieve this Grade WILL BE classified as a relegated club regardless of their finishing position at the conclusion of Season 2024-2025.
• A copy of the accompanying Ground Grading Questionnaire must be returned with the application.
• Please ensure that your club meets the appropriate grading requirements. Too many applications are submitted when grounds clearly DO NOT meet the required status.
• Ground sharing or moving to another ground which the Club does not own the freehold or leasehold, is not permitted in order to gain promotion. Clubs in a these arrangements MUST be using the ground shown in the application throughout the whole of the current playing season (from the start of the 2023-24 Season and can be confirmed by your current League).
• Upon receipt of applications The Football Association will arrange for grounds to be inspected and graded. The co operation of Clubs in ensuring that inspections can take place will be appreciated. The inspections will be carried out by the Football Foundation Stadium Accreditation team.
• Clubs are reminded that grading visits are exactly that. They are NOT advisory visits. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that grounds fully comply with the requirements of Grade 7 prior to agreeing a date for a visit. A copy of the requirements of all grades can be found within this communication.
• Whilst existing ground share arrangements are acceptable, Clubs are reminded that new ground share arrangements are not permitted in order to gain promotion. A copy of any existing ground share agreements must accompany the application.
• PLEASE NOTE THAT TOO MANY CLUBS APPLY FOR PROMOTION WHEN THEY KNOW THAT THEY DO NOT/WILL NOT MEET THE GRADING REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU WILL NOT MEET THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS PART APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY BE REJECTED
Step Six Application Process is now open
Tue 14th November 2023 | Announcements
By Gary Langley
The application process for Step Six of the National League System is now open and will remain so until 31st December 2023.Please find attached the relevant documentation, forms and link to application form for Clubs to complete who wish to be considered for promotion to Step 6 of the National League System from Regional NLS Feeder Leagues for the 2024-25 Season.
APPLICATIONS ARE MADE USING THE FOLLOWING LINK: ONLINE APPLICATION FORM (https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/038c3decc7334eb188dd661dff4dc36e)
Availiable on request to the NWCFL and fro this evening on the Website are as follows:
Applications are now welcomed and the closing date is strictly December 31st 2023. All applications must be via the online form and the promotion application fee (£120) must be paid directly to The Football Association by BACS and instructions on how to do this are attached. Inspections are to be arranged by the Football Foundation Stadium Accreditation team and observers from proposed Step 6 Leagues are welcomed.
The process of promotion is outlined in the guide below.
If any interested clubs wish to have an advisory visit, please contact NWCFL League Secretary John Deal and include your own League Secretary.
The Step 6 Promotion Criteria:
Process
• The Football Association will manage the promotion process for all clubs seeking promotion from Regional NLS Feeder League level to Step 6 of the National League System. Clubs are reminded that there will be no automatic internal promotions.
• There will be a non refundable promotion application fee of £120 (inc VAT). A club will be eligible for one free stadium accreditation inspection (should one be required) which will be arranged by the Football Foundation Stadium Accreditation team. Additional visits requested by a club will be charged at £120 (inc VAT). It should be noted that the initial £120 (inc VAT) fee is a promotion application fee and not an inspection fee.
• Payment of the application fee will be by BACS directly to The Football Association, with details available in the ‘Payment Guidance’
• To be considered eligible for promotion clubs must complete thoroughly the online application form. Application forms must be accompanied by the relevant documents as listed in section five of the application.
Copy of Ground Share agreement or freehold documents or licence agreement or tenancy agreement (as applicable)
- Latest set of approved audited or certified annual accounts which cover the period between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023
- Copy of latest floodlight certificate (where applicable)
- Copy of latest artificial pitch Performance Test Certificate (where applicable)
- Completed Ground Grading Questionnaire (see the criteria in subsequent pages of this document)
- Evidence of any planning application if works are required.
• If you need to email any evidence additional to those submitted with the online form these should be sent to NLS@TheFA.com.
• Clubs are advised that any applications received after 31 December WILL NOT be accepted and are reminded of the need to complete their applications prior to the holiday period and via email if necessary
In addition to completing the application form and providing the necessary supporting documentation Clubs are asked to note the following:
• To be considered for promotion a club must finish in 1st position in their Feeder League competition at the conclusion of the current season. If a club finishing in 1st position does not wish to be considered for promotion, or fails the entry criteria, then a club finishing in 2nd position may be considered. If the club in 2nd does not seek promotion, or fails to meet the entry criteria, then clubs down to 5th position may be considered for promotion provided that they meet the appropriate entry criteria. Clubs finishing below 5th position MAY NOT be considered for promotion and, ordinarily, only ONE club will be promoted from each Feeder League competition. There will not be any more promotions from any feeder league.
• In order to be considered for promotion a club MUST comply fully with the requirements of Grading 7 as at 31st March 2024 (criteria included within this communication).
• Clubs may be considered for promotion without having floodlights in place however, those clubs without floodlights must comply with the following requirements as at 31 March 2024:
- Planning permission for the provision of floodlights MUST have been approved by the Local Authority. Planning number will be required.
- Evidence provided that funding applications have been submitted
- Evidence provided that the balance of any funding required is in place
- Evidence provided that quotations have been obtained from appropriate contractors (three quotes)
- Provide a copy of an appropriate development/installation plan
• Floodlights MUST be installed and in working order by 30th September 2024. Step 6 competitions would be at liberty to impose a penalty on any Club that failed to comply with this requirement. Clubs that fail to provide floodlights by 31 March 2025 WILL BE classified as a relegated club regardless of their finishing position at the conclusion of Season 2024- 2025. Note: the extension to 30th September does not apply for entry to The FA Vase. Clubs must fully comply with the H grade criteria before the commencement of the 2024-2025 season.
• Clubs promoted to Step 6 MUST comply fully with the requirements of Grading Category 6 by 31st March 2024. Clubs that fail to achieve this Grade WILL BE classified as a relegated club regardless of their finishing position at the conclusion of Season 2024-2025.
• A copy of the accompanying Ground Grading Questionnaire must be returned with the application.
• Please ensure that your club meets the appropriate grading requirements. Too many applications are submitted when grounds clearly DO NOT meet the required status.
• Ground sharing or moving to another ground which the Club does not own the freehold or leasehold, is not permitted in order to gain promotion. Clubs in a these arrangements MUST be using the ground shown in the application throughout the whole of the current playing season (from the start of the 2023-24 Season and can be confirmed by your current League).
• Upon receipt of applications The Football Association will arrange for grounds to be inspected and graded. The co operation of Clubs in ensuring that inspections can take place will be appreciated. The inspections will be carried out by the Football Foundation Stadium Accreditation team.
• Clubs are reminded that grading visits are exactly that. They are NOT advisory visits. Clubs are responsible for ensuring that grounds fully comply with the requirements of Grade 7 prior to agreeing a date for a visit. A copy of the requirements of all grades can be found within this communication.
• Whilst existing ground share arrangements are acceptable, Clubs are reminded that new ground share arrangements are not permitted in order to gain promotion. A copy of any existing ground share agreements must accompany the application.
• PLEASE NOTE THAT TOO MANY CLUBS APPLY FOR PROMOTION WHEN THEY KNOW THAT THEY DO NOT/WILL NOT MEET THE GRADING REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU WILL NOT MEET THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS PART APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY BE REJECTED
