The National League England football tournament is one of the leading football tournaments in England, attracting the attention of many football fans around the world. So what is the National League England football tournament? What is the history and development of this tournament? What is the competition format, schedule and latest rankings of the tournament? Let’s with 2019 Southeast Asian Games learn about the National League England football tournament in this article.
What is the National League England football tournament?
The National League England football tournament (also known as Vanarama National League because the main sponsor is Vanarama company) is the highest professional football tournament in the football tournament system in England outside of the Premier League and English Football. League (EFL). Previously, this tournament was called Conference National or Conference Premier, founded in 1979 and had the participation of 24 clubs.
However, from the 2015-2016 season, the tournament was renamed National League and only 22 clubs remained. Clubs participating in the National League England football tournament are not only from England but also include teams from Wales.
History of formation and development of the National League England football tournament
The National Football League England was founded in 1979 as the Alliance Premier League, with the aim of creating a professional competition for football clubs in England outside the EFL. Previously, these clubs could only participate in national football tournaments such as the FA Cup or FA Trophy.
Since 1986, the tournament was renamed Conference and continued to grow with the entry of many new clubs. However, by 2004, the league faced a financial crisis when many clubs went bankrupt or withdrew from the league. This has resulted in the tournament having only 22 participating clubs from the 2004-2005 season onwards.
Since 2015, the tournament was renamed National League and continues to develop with the support of main sponsor Vanarama company. Currently, the tournament has 24 participating clubs and is considered one of the top football tournaments in England outside of the EFL.
National League England football tournament format
The National League England football tournament takes place from August to May every year, with 46 rounds. Each club will face each other twice (one home match and one away match). Clubs will be scored on a 3-1-0 scale (win-draw-loss) and at the end of the season, the club with the highest score will be crowned champion and have the opportunity to promote to the EFL. .
In addition to the championship, the tournament also has positions for the European Cup and relegation. The clubs ranked 2nd and 3rd will participate in the play-offs to compete for promotion to the EFL. Meanwhile, clubs ranked at the bottom of the table will be relegated to National League North or National League South (two lower leagues of the National League).
National League England football tournament schedule for the 2023-2024 season
The 2023-2024 season of the National League England football tournament is expected to take place from August 2023 to May 2024. Currently, the official match schedule for this season has not been announced. However, according to information from the English Football Association (FA), the new season will start on August 5, 2023 and end on May 6, 2024.
Matches will take place on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and there may also be matches on weekdays depending on the schedule of the participating clubs.
Latest rankings of the National League England football tournament
Currently, the 2021-2022 season of the National League England football tournament has ended with the championship of the Sutton United club. Below are the latest rankings of this tournament:
Typical clubs competing in the National League England football tournament
Throughout the history of the National League England football competition, many clubs have participated and left a notable mark. Below are the typical clubs in this tournament:
Sutton United
- Sutton United is one of the founding member clubs of the National League England football division. However, it was not until the 2020-2021 season that they won the league championship for the first time. Sutton United also had a period of playing in the Premier League in the 1990s but then dropped to lower leagues.
Wrexham
- Wrexham is one of the oldest clubs in England, founded in 1864. They are also one of the founding member clubs of the National League England and are currently the team the only player from Wales to participate in the tournament.
Notts County
- Notts County is the oldest football club in England, founded in 1862. They are also one of the founding member clubs of the National League England and once played in the Premier League. League in the 1990s.
Chesterfield
- Chesterfield is one of the founding member clubs of the National League England and played in the Premier League in the 1990s. They are also the only team from Wales to win the league title. fight.
Famous football player playing in the National League England football tournament
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In addition to clubs, the National League England football tournament is also home to many talented players. Below are famous players who have played in this tournament:
Jamie Vardy
- Jamie Vardy is one of the most famous players to ever play in the National League England football tournament. He joined this tournament when he was still playing for Fleetwood Town and then helped Leicester City win the Premier League championship in 2016.
Charlie Austin
- Charlie Austin is also one of the famous players who played in the Vanarama National Leagu football tournament. He had impressive performances for Swindon Town and was then transferred to Southampton.
Chris Smalling
- Chris Smalling is one of the other famous players who played in the National League England football tournament. He had excellent performances for Maidstone United before joining Manchester United in 2010.
Notable matches in the history of the National League England football tournament
Throughout the history of the National League England football tournament, there are many matches that have left a special mark in the hearts of fans. Below are the most notable matches in this tournament’s history:
Sutton United vs Coventry City (FA Cup 1989)
- The match between Sutton United and Coventry City in the FA Cup third round in 1989 has become one of the classic matches in the history of the National League England football tournament. Sutton United, a club competing in this tournament, shocked the Premier League team Coventry City with a score of 2-1.
Wrexham vs Arsenal (FA Cup 1992)
- The match between Wrexham and Arsenal in the FA Cup third round in 1992 is also one of the most notable matches in the history of the Vanarama National Leagu football tournament. Wrexham, a club from Wales, had a spectacular comeback to defeat Premier League team Arsenal with a score of 2-1.
Hereford United vs Newcastle United (FA Cup 1972)
- The match between Hereford United and Newcastle United in the FA Cup third round in 1972 is considered the most classic match in the history of the National League England football tournament. Hereford United, a club competing in this tournament, had a spectacular comeback to defeat the team playing in the First Division (equivalent to the current Premier League), Newcastle United, with a score of 2- 1 after two extra periods.
The importance of the National League England to English football
The National League England football tournament plays an important role in developing football in England. It is a lower division of the Premier League and EFL Championship, where clubs can compete and compete for promotion to higher leagues.
In addition, the Vanarama National Leagu football tournament is also a place for young players to have the opportunity to compete and develop their skills before moving to clubs in higher leagues. This helps English football acquire young talents sooner and improve the quality of national teams.
Conclude
Above is basic information about the National League England football tournament, from the history of formation and development to the competition format and typical clubs, along with famous players and notable matches. Note in tournament history. With its important role in developing football in England, the National League England football tournament will continue to be an attractive and competitive playground for talented clubs and players.