Which FA Trophy clubs can reach the English Football League (EFL)?

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FA Trophy is a knockout cup competition run by the Football Association of England for semi-professional clubs since 1969. It is one of the most respected and anticipated events. Hundreds of teams take part in the competition each season, competing for the main trophy while showcasing skill, tactical preparation, and team spirit.

The tournament is renowned for its rich history, memorable matches, and unpredictable results. Beyond the cup itself, many supporters follow their clubs’ league fixtures with equal enthusiasm. Keeping up with these games has become easier than ever. FA Trophy on TV broadcasts, along with National League coverage, have expanded significantly in recent years, with various broadcasters streaming matches from the fifth division and below.

The structure of the football pyramid

To understand which FA Trophy clubs can realistically reach the EFL, it helps to know how the English football pyramid is organised.

The EFL consists of 3 divisions: 

  • League2 — Level4
  • League2 — Level3
  • The Championship — Level 2

Above all of these (at Level 1) sits the Premier League.

Directly below the EFL, the pyramid continues:

  • National League (NL) — Level 5 (Step 1)
  • NL North/South — Level6 (Step2)
  • Steps 3–4 — Regional Premier Divisions (Levels 7–8)
  • Steps 5–6 — County and regional feeder leagues (Levels 9–10)

The FA Trophy is open to participants from steps 1–4, and in certain rounds to clubs from steps 5 and 6 as well. This means participants span a wide range of the pyramid — some are relatively close to the EFL, while others have a considerable way to climb.

Which clubs have a direct route into the EFL?

Clubs competing in the NL (step 1) are closest to EFL football. The league champion earns automatic promotion to League 2, while several of the next-placed clubs enter the play-offs, with the winner also advancing to the professional division. As such, any National League club participating in the FA Trophy is just one promotion away from the professional league.

For clubs in the NL North/South, the journey involves two stages: promotion from the regional division into the NL (either automatically or via the play-offs), followed by promotion from the NL into League 2.

Clubs at steps 3 and 4 are further from EFL football. They need promotion into NL North/South, then into the NL, and then into League Two — a minimum of three consecutive promotions. It is an achievable goal, but one that demands sustained results over several seasons and significant investment in infrastructure to meet stadium requirements at each level.

Why the FA Trophy attracts attention

One reason is the high level of competition. A lower-division side defeating a higher-ranked opponent generates interest in both local and national media. Matches often serve as a gauge of a club’s quality, either confirming or challenging its credentials as a potential EFL contender. Fans who follow non-league football closely understand that strong performances in the Trophy can reflect a club’s broader upward trajectory.