Club Allocations released for Season 21/22
The Football Association have revealed the National League System club allocations for 2021-22 with the new eight division at Step 4 to create a ‘pure pyramid’.
The plans, which include two additional divisions at Step 5 and a reduction of Step 6 divisions from 20 to 17, were shelved last year following the coronavirus outbreak that ended the 2019-20 season.
After consultation, The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committee proposed the restructure should go ahead this summer after the season was again terminated early.
In total, 107 clubs will be elevated across Steps 4-6. Clubs were allocated an unweighted points-per-game figure on the basis of its completed fixtures in both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons and invited to apply.
In a statement the FA said: “We can now confirm that the National League System (NLS) restructure at Steps 4-6 has been completed and the club allocations for the 2021-22 season have been confirmed, subject to FA Council ratification.
“The restructure will see 107 clubs in total upwardly moved within the pyramid at Steps 4-6 in order to facilitate the new divisions, with a new additional division at Step 4 and two additional new divisions at Step 5 and a reduction of divisions, from 20 to 17, at Step 6.
“The restructure will have a positive impact on a significant number of clubs, supporting them with reduced travel and costs and providing greater opportunities for generating income via localised fixtures.
“We would like to thank all of the clubs across the National League System for their hard work and effort in completing their applications for upwards movement and we look forward to welcoming them back for the 2021-22 season.”
In our region of Kent the changes of meant a deserved promotion for Corinthian, who will join Lancing in the Isthmian South East Division. Guernsey and Whyteleafe leave that league so it remains at 20 teams.
Kennington, Holmesdale and Rusthall move into the SCEFL Premier with Beckenham Town surprise departees to the newly formed Combined Counties Premier South Division, alongside AFC Croydon and Balham.
Into the SCEFL First Division go Westside FC, Chessington and Hook plus an unhappy Tooting Bec, who make the move from Combined Counties, seemingly against their will.
Happy with their escalation into the First Division are Larkfield & New Hythe, Staplehurst Monarchs and Faversham Strike Force who all come from the Kent County League, which will now need a bit of reorganisation.
The SCEFL season will get under way on 31st July with the Isthmian South East kicking off on 14th August.
There was no change at Steps 2 or 3.