The English football pyramid: Understanding the structure and levels

English football is one of the most famous sports on the planet. It has a unique structure that extensively covers every blade of grass in the country from the top to the bottom leagues. In understanding the structure of the English football pyramid, it is essential to note that it comprises a series of interconnected leagues functioning hierarchically, relegating and promoting the teams at each level.

Founded by William McGregor in 1888, the English football pyramid has grown in stature and popularity and is now one of the most viewed leagues worldwide. While heading towards the top of the pyramid, the number of teams decreases, but the level of performance increases constantly.

The structure and levels of the English football pyramid

The English football pyramid structure is arranged so that the best clubs in the country are few and are found at the top of the nation’s best soccer clubs. In doing so, they lay the groundwork for fierce competition to teams trying to climb the ladder.

According to various online sources, here are the seven different levels of the English football pyramid explained from the bottom to the top.

Tier 7

At this tier, there are 88 clubs, 22 at each level. They compete against each other at their respective levels, and the champions are automatically promoted. At the same time, the losers, the bottom three from each division, are relegated to a lower level.

After the champions are automatically promoted, the following four clubs from each division compete in a playoff, and the winners from the four leagues are matched against each other geographically to determine which two clubs can be promoted.

Tier 6

In the tier, the teams are divided into two according to their geographical locations, the North and South. However, each division has 22 teams that compete against each other, and the winners are promoted a step higher while the following six clubs go to the playoffs.

At the playoffs, the winners take the second spot on the promotion, and at the end of it, all only four teams get to move a step up the pyramid. The bottom four clubs in each division are relegated geographically to either Northern, Southern, or Isthmian Premier Division.

Tier 5

Among the teams in the English football pyramid that are in the fifth tier are those that did not make the cut to the top four professional leagues. In this division, the two winners are promoted, while the bottom four are relegated to either the North or South divisions.

The six teams after the ones that were automatically promoted are then matched off in a playoff battle to determine who will take the second spot promotion.

Tier 4

In the full English football pyramid, the fourth tier, which has 24 teams, is found at the middle of the structure marking the beginning of professional soccer in the United Kingdom. The top three clubs get promoted to the third tier at this level, while the next four go to the playoffs.

The four teams compete for the fourth spot in the playoffs, and the winner moves to a higher division. Among the Welsh teams in the English football pyramid on this level include Newport County and Wrexham, which are currently playing in the 2023/24 season.

Tier 3

In the English football pyramid diagram, the third tier, which contains 24 clubs, is known as League One. The clubs compete not only for promotion but also to remain in the division at the end of the season.

Here the top two clubs with the most points are automatically promoted, while the next four battle through a playoff for a third spot to be promoted. However, the four clubs at the bottom of the division are relegated.

Tier 2

The English football pyramid structure shrinks as you head to the top. Thus, the second-tier division is considered the most important since it provides the best replacement for the relegated clubs from the top-tier English League in the United Kingdom.

At this level, two clubs are promoted automatically, while the third position is determined by a playoff between four clubs whereby the winner is promoted. Out of the 24 clubs, the bottom three are relegated.

Tier 1

Since this is the top most prestigious position in the English football pyramid structure, they not only compete for a grand prize but also for glory. The highest-paid soccer players and the best globally are found on this level.

The performance is top-notch, with great athletes worldwide rising to stardom while making their dreams come true. Manchester United, with 13 titles, has more than any other club in this division.

The club that ends the season with the most points takes home one of the most coveted titles in the history of soccer, the Premier League championship title whereas the bottom three are related.

Other tiers

The full English football pyramid has more than just seven tiers. It goes all the way to 14, whereby armature teams such as Liverpool and Manchester County Premier Division One compete locally.

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Football

How many teams are in the English football pyramid?

The EFL pyramid has over 5000 clubs that compete each season intending to rise to the top. And since the English football pyramid promotion and relegation structure allows smaller clubs to level up, it is considered the best in the world.

What is the English football pyramid?

It is a series of interconnected leagues that run in a hierarchical system that allows promotion and relegation of the top and bottom clubs, respectively, across each division.

How many tiers are in English football?

There are over 14 tiers in the EFL, with more than 5000 clubs spread all over the country.

How many leagues are in the English football pyramid?

It is important to note that below the seventh tier of the English football pyramid, there are other divisions and levels with teams that compete locally to be recognised and promoted to the top tier category. Although the best clubs in the country are found at the top of the pyramid, the number of teams at the top is fewer than that at the bottom.

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