The NAFL has provided an update on the development of the National Conference League
The beautiful game continues to evolve at regional level an the Board of the Northern Amateur Football League has provided a further update on the National Conference League.
And they have again shown their appreciation to all their partners and stakeholders who have assisted with the National Conference League project over the last number of weeks.
An NAFL Board of Directors spokesperson said: “This supportive engagement has permitted the Board of the Northern Amateur Football League to outline a positive update whereby clarity can be provided in respect of the National Conference League in Season 2026-2027, and beyond.
“With the assistance of key Partners, the Northern Amateur Football League will commence the National Conference Premier Division in August 2026.
“The Division will comprise invited teams from the current Northern Ireland Football League Premier Intermediate League once promotion to the Northern Ireland Football League Championship has been concluded at the end of Season 2025-2026.
“Those ten teams will be joined by two further teams, invited from the three current Intermediate Leagues in Northern Ireland, and who meet the National Conference League rules, inclusive of ground criteria.
“Those three teams will compete via the tried and tested play-off system upon conclusion of their respective 2025-2026 league campaigns for the remaining two National Conference Premier Division positions.
The two further Divisions of the National Conference League, League One and League Two, are scheduled to be incorporated for the commencement of Season 2027-2028.
“Full details on the National Conference League, inclusive of league structures, ground criteria, promotion & relegation pathways etc. will be made available in the format of an Information Pack, via the National Conference League website, in the early part of 2026.
“A competitive process for all teams seeking to apply to participate in the National Conference League One and League Two in Season 2027-2028 will also be launched in 2026 and will be preceded by the publication of an Application Pack, detailing the application timeline, process and scoring matrix for applicant clubs.
“The Directors and Officials at the Northern Amateur Football League reiterate our commitment to delivering transformation of the performance pathway for ambitious Clubs in Northern Ireland and will continue to engage positively with all partners and key stakeholders.”
The Board of the Northern Amateur Football League wishes all the local clubs Club well with the current football season.
