Southport Football Club is backing calls for the creation of three promotion places to the English Football League (EFL).
The Sandgrounders are among 72 Vanarama National League Clubs who have launched a “three-up” campaign to get an extra promotion space available to League Two instead of the current two.
A Southport FC spokesperson said: “All 72 Vanarama National League clubs are supporting a letter to the EFL requesting a vote to create three promotion places into their league.
“It’s time to Put Football First.”
It marks the start of a new 3UP campaign which the National League says will secure the future of the English football pyramid and also reduce the feeling that the EFL is becoming a closed shop.
They want the change to be brought in for the start of the 2025/26 season.
The campaign has been endorsed at an Extraordinary General Meeting of all the clubs which includes famous names and former Football League sides like Southport, Oldham, Altrincham, Southend and Hartlepool.
National League Chair Jack Pearce said: “This summer, the Independent Football Regulator is scheduled to be introduced. Their overall stated objectives include providing financial sustainability, economic resilience and preserving the heritage of the sport.
“In terms of heritage, National League clubs are at the heart of towns and cities across the whole country. The majority of these clubs are over a century old and part of the fabric of their communities.
“An extra promotion place for these Clubs into the EFL would create an invaluable aspiration for all these clubs and supporters – plus clubs in the leagues below. We simply can’t wait any longer for parity within the game.
“As well as increased financial stability, 3UP would mean a fluid football pyramid where teams can win promotion from the bottom to the top fairly. It will give more opportunities to clubs relegated from EFL League 2 to ‘bounce back’.
“Whilst we recognise and respect the EFL’s verbal support for the National League on three promotions, our clubs have now made it abundantly clear that they see no reason for a further delay on the official process.”
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