Set out below is the process to be followed by clubs seeking to be promoted from Step 5 to Step 4 for Season 2015-16.
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 2015-16.
We would encourage applications only from those clubs that have serious ambitions to progress and either currently have an E Grade or can realistically achieve this by 31 March 2015.
If you wish to be considered for promotion, the application form should be completed thoroughly and returned with the following accompanying documentation no later than 30 November 2014:
- Non-refundable application fee cheque for £100 + VAT made payable to 'The Football Association Ltd' payable by all applicants.
- Set of approved audited or certified annual accounts which cover the period between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014.
- Copy of latest floodlight certificate.
- Copy of Memorandum & Articles of Association or Club Rules in order to provide evidence of entity.
- Security of Tenure documentation – i.e. a copy of the current lease or licence (if in a lease or licence arrangement) or a copy of your ground share agreement (if in a ground share arrangement) which must cover Season 2015-16.
- Copy of latest artificial pitch Performance Test Certificate (where applicable).
All clubs seeking promotion will be required to forward a cheque for £120 (£100+ VAT) made payable to The Football Association Ltd with the application form. This application fee will cover the cost of one grading visit if required. If more than one grading visit is required clubs will be charged a further £100 + VAT per visit.
Following acceptance of your application, clubs will be forwarded the following documentation to be completed and returned:
- A self assessment grading questionnaire must be completed. 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. The requirements of Grade E can be found here.
- A Financial Reporting Initiative form which must be completed detailing the financial position of the club as at 31 December 2014.
The application form to apply for promotion can be downloaded here
The application form and accompanying documentation can be scanned and e-mailed (with a cheque to follow in the post which must be received by 30 November 2014) to Penny.Kift@TheFA.com or sent by post to:
Penny Kift
The FA Group
Wembley Stadium
PO Box 1966
London
SW1P 9EQ.
When sending documents by post these must be sent by Recorded or Special Delivery.
Any application forms, accompanying documentation or application fee cheque received after 30 November 2014 deadline will NOT be accepted.
If you have any queries regarding promotion to Step 4, you should contact either Penny.Kift@TheFA.com or Mike.Appleby@TheFA.com
