Step 4 application form

This information relates to the arrangements for those clubs wishing to be considered for promotion to Step 4 of the National League System for Season 2012-2013.

An application form should be completed thoroughly and returned with the following documentation if you wish to be considered for promotion.  The application form and accompanying documentation must be received no later than 31 December 2011.

• Copy of latest audited or certified annual accounts (these must cover season 2010-2011 at least)
• Copy of current lease or licence (if in a lease or licence arrangement)
• Copy of ground share agreement (if in a ground share arrangement)
• Copy of current floodlight certificate.

Please note that the lease, licence or ground share agreement will be checked thoroughly and if these are not deemed to be appropriate it could result in a club not being eligible for promotion. If a club applied for promotion last Season and submitted a copy of their lease, licence or ground share agreement there would be no need to resubmit this unless there have been changes.

Those clubs that do not have a Grade E or above should forward a cheque for £120 (£100 + VAT) made payable to The Football Association Ltd with the application form. This fee will cover one grading visit only; subsequent grading visits will also be charged at £100 + VAT.

Those clubs seeking promotion that do not have a Grade E or above will be forwarded a self assessment grading questionnaire following the return of the application form. Please only request a grading visit when you are satisfied that the club has reached the requirements for Grade E. These are grading visits NOT advisory visits. Remember the club will be charged for each visit.  The requirements of Grade E can be found here.

An application form can be downloaded here

The application form and accompanying documentation can be scanned and emailed to Penny.Kift@TheFA.com or sent by post to:

Penny Kift
The FA Group
Wembley Stadium
PO Box 1966
London
SW1P 9EQ

If sending by post it would be advisable to send the documentation by Recorded or Special Delivery.

Clubs are reminded that in order to be considered for promotion to Step 4 they must finish in the top position in their current Step 5 league and be in possession of a Grade E by 31 March 2012. If a champion club does not wish to be considered for promotion then a club finishing in 2nd position in that league may be considered but this cannot be guaranteed. There are 12 promotion places available and currently 14 Step 5 leagues.

We will correspond further with those clubs applying for promotion in due course. Any application forms received after 31 December 2011 deadline will NOT be accepted.

If you have any queries regarding promotion to Step 4, you should contact either Mike Appleby (Mike.Appleby@TheFA.com) or Penny Kift (Penny.Kift@TheFA.com).