Non-league Football 2026-01-29

Opened the debate

I am grateful for the opportunity to raise the importance of non-league football and its vital role in communities. Hartlepool United acts as a veterans hub, supporting those who have served, and was the first professional club to sign the armed forces covenant. Non-league clubs are community hubs, employers, charities, and sources of local pride. They foster close connections between fans and players and contribute significantly to community well-being. The 3UP campaign seeks three promotion places from the national league into League Two, supported by all 72 national league clubs, FSA, and over 50 Members of this House. This reform would make the system fairer, more competitive, and sustainable. I urge the Government to encourage constructive engagement between EFL and the national league, ensuring fairness and opportunity in football governance.

Government Response

I congratulate Mr Brash on securing this debate and highlight the importance of non-league football clubs like Hartlepool United. Clubs are integral to communities, serving as hubs for social cohesion, education, and physical activity. The Government is committed to ensuring that football’s foundations remain strong, sustainable, and supported for generations to come, with fans prioritised. Department for Culture, Media and Sport research shows the sport contributes £53 billion to the national economy and creates £8 billion in wellbeing value and £43 million saved annually for NHS from grassroots involvement. Every pound invested in non-league football is an investment in health and happiness of our nation's communities. The Minister acknowledged the strength of feeling on the 3UP campaign and emphasised that decisions about football competitions are for the EFL. He discussed the Football Governance Act 2025, highlighting the Independent Football Regulator's role in ensuring sustainable club management. The Department continues to work with Sport England to monitor clubs' financial positions post-covid. The minister also mentioned investments of £98 million and £85 million for grassroots facilities programmes, promoting stadium infrastructure through the Football Foundation and Premier League Stadium Fund. He emphasised the importance of fan engagement in decision-making and the need for complex negotiations around restructuring leagues. The Minister concluded by discussing government support for women’s football, noting the Lionesses futures fund investment to enhance infrastructure.