Step Four applications

A total of 64 Step 5 clubs have applied for promotion to Step 4 for season 2009-2010 and it is hoped that each Step 5 league will be in a position to promote a club.

Promotion is limited to either the Champion club, or the club finishing in second place should the top club be unable to progress. Each club will need to achieve the Grade E by 31 March in order to be eligible to move up.

Leagues Manager Mike Appleby is delighted with the response this year. He told TheFA.com: “This confirms that there are many ambitious clubs at Step 5 willing to move up the National League System.

“A number of the clubs on the list have achieved the Grade E in previous years and the others will be contacted in due course to arrange for information on their facilities to be provided. Following this, arrangements will be made to inspect clubs still in with a realistic chance of gaining promotion through their league position.”

Click here for a full list of Step 4 applications