English football (also known as soccer in North America) draws millions of fans from around the world, not least because of its weekly drama and collection of some of the best players from across the globe. Underpinning all the support, glamour and money is the English football pyramid, a complex and hierarchical league system that enables fluid movement of clubs based on their performance. This structure not only ensures competitive balance but also allows even the smallest clubs to dream of reaching the pinnacle of English football.
Origins
The English Football League was founded four years after the Football Association (FA) permitted professionalism on 17th April 1888, making it the oldest soccer league in the world. Initially comprising 12 teams, the league provided a formal competition framework that laid the foundation for today’s system. Teams were awarded one point for a draw two points for a win, with this not increasing to the now customary three until the 1981-82 season. The founder clubs of the Football League were Accrington, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke (renamed Stoke City in 1926), West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
From there, a Second Division was added in 1892, after which Newton Heath (now Manchester United) and Nottingham Forest joined, followed by Liverpool and Woolwich Arsenal (now Arsenal and the first southern team to enter the league) the year after. Automatic promotion for the top two teams from this division and relegation for the bottom two from the First Division was added in 1898.
Structure of the pyramid
Top tier: Premier League
The Premier League supplanted the old First Division as the uppermost tier of English football in 1992. It was founded to bring more money into the game by giving teams commercial independence from the Football League and The FA, meaning they could negotiate their own broadcast rights and sponsorship.
Originally 22 teams, the now 20-strong league achieved this goal. The Premier League is the most watched in the world, attracting a worldwide TV audience of 3.2 billion people. The most recent TV broadcasting rights deal was worth £6.7 billion, more than double the equivalent deal for Serie A in Italy.
Second tier: EFL Championship
The EFL Championship, featuring 24 teams, serves as the second tier. Teams compete in a rigorous 46-match season, with the top two gaining automatic promotion to the Premier League, and the next four entering play-offs for the final promotion spot. Such are the riches available in the Premier League, the Championship Play-Off final is often called the ‘richest game in the world football’. Relegation sees the bottom three drop to EFL League One.
Third and fourth Tiers: EFL League One and League Two
EFL League One and League Two form the third and fourth tiers, respectively, each with 24 teams. Teams battle it out in a similar format to the Championship, with promotion and relegation affecting movement between these tiers and the National League.
Non-league football
Beyond the EFL, non-league football begins with the National League (fifth tier), followed by the National League North and South (sixth tier). Below these are regional leagues, which make up the seventh tier and beyond. This extensive network ensures a broad competitive base and opportunities for clubs at all levels.
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Revenue streams
Clubs in the English football pyramid generate revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, and matchday income. The Premier League, in particular, benefits from enormous broadcasting contracts, while lower-tier clubs rely more on local sponsorships and gate receipts.
Financial Fair Play regulations
Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations are designed to ensure clubs operate within their means, preventing excessive spending that could lead to financial instability. These regulations impact club strategies, particularly regarding player transfers and wages.
Cup competitions
English football has two main cup competitions.
- FA Cup: The FA Cup, the oldest national football competition, is open to teams across the pyramid. Its structure includes qualifying rounds and a main competition, offering smaller clubs the chance to compete against top-tier teams, often resulting in memorable ‘giant-killing’ moments.
- EFL Cup: The EFL Cup, involving teams from the top four tiers, provides additional competitive opportunities. Though less prestigious than the FA Cup, it offers a pathway to European competitions for the winner.
Other notable competitions include the Community Shield, contested by the Premier League champion and FA Cup winner, and the EFL Trophy, which involves teams from League One and League Two along with invited academy teams.
Grassroots and youth development
Youth academies are crucial for developing talent within the pyramid. Premier League clubs often have extensive academy systems that nurture young players, some of whom progress to the first team or move to other clubs within the pyramid.
Community clubs
Local community clubs play a vital role in the pyramid, providing a foundation for youth development and fostering a strong football culture. These clubs often rely on volunteer support and grassroots initiatives to sustain their operations.
A unique and intricate system that ensures competition
The English football pyramid offers opportunities for clubs at all levels and supports a rich football culture. Its structure, financial mechanisms, and integration with cup competitions create a highly watchable and dynamic football environment.
Looking ahead, the pyramid may see further evolution with potential reforms in financial regulations, league structures, and global engagement. These changes could enhance competitiveness and sustainability across all tiers.
The English football pyramid remains a cornerstone of the sport, fostering talent, excitement, and a sense of community, ensuring the continued passion and growth of football both across the country and around the world.
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