The restructuring proposals have been lead by The F.A.'s National Leagues Manager Greg Fee and F.A National Game Division Director Steve Parkin, with the key objective of creating a more equitable pyramid system that would allow clubs to progress in a more structured, fairer and consistent way, irrespective of their location around the country.

Fee, Parkin and Mike Appleby, The F.A.'s National Leagues Development Manager have held consultations with over 200 clubs at Levels 1 and 2 and held regional presentations for Leagues around the country at Levels 3 and 4; over 90% of clubs in the Nationwide Conference and the three Feeder Leagues have had the opportunity to give their views.

As Steve Parkin explained: "After the exhaustive consultations and research that The F.A. have carried out, the final step was to ascertain whether clubs wanted to have 2 or 3 Feeder Leagues into the Conference. Neither proposal emerged as a clear favourite amongst the clubs, however only 34 out of the 67 Premier League Clubs in the three Feeder Leagues backed the move to the 2 Feeder option, when 44 clubs would be required to form the two leagues."

As a result of this feedback, The F.A. will be taking the proposal to retain 3 Feeder Leagues - but with planned changes to the current system - to the F.A. Council for ratification in early July. National Leagues Manager Greg Fee said: "Some clubs were reluctant to support the large change to 2 Feeders, but there was an overwhelming feeling that the current pyramid needs change in order to create a fairer and more consistent system.

"As a result of the feedback, The F.A. will continue to work with clubs and leagues to develop changes that will ensure a more equitable system, and will be announcing our proposals to Leagues and Clubs in more detail in Birmingham between 12th and 14th July."

He added, "I would like to thank all the Leagues and Clubs for their time during this process, and for their support in the future in working towards proposals that we hope will be for the future betterment of football in the English National Leagues System."

Stay logged on to TheFA.com over the coming weeks for further news regarding the restructuring plans