Worthing MP and Worthing FC chairman lead support for National League’s 3UP campaign
The MP for Worthing West and the chairman of Worthing FC were among campaigners who gathered to promote a campaign for National League clubs to be given an extra chance of reaching the Football League.
MPs gathered in Westminster to support the National League’s popular 3UP campaign - which seeks a third promotion place from the National Premier to League Two – in line with the rest of the professional football pyramid.
Politicians across parties got behind the campaign at Westminster Hall at an event organised by Dr Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West, and called on Football League executives to make a change to its rules.
The Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, attended – although the government and Independent Football Regulator officially maintain a neutral position on the issues of promotion and relegation.
The 3UP campaign already has the widespread backing of football fans, clubs and media after a year-long campaign that included a national day of action with 200 clubs kicking off at 3.03pm - to highlight the inconsistency between the leagues.
The EFL recently announced they would formally discuss the matter next month, by tabling 3UP as an agenda point for its ‘all-club’ meetings. However, they have not scheduled a vote on the issue.
National League chair Jack Pearce – well-known in Sussex for his long service at Bognor Regis Town – has welcomed EFL discussions and suggested the league can work together with the EFL to make 3UP happen.
The event, co-ordinated by Dr Cooper and supported by East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland, was attended by Barry Hunter, chairman of Worthing FC.
Dr Cooper said: “I am proud to support the 3UP campaign, which will help secure the financial stability of vital community-based clubs and protect the unique heritage of our football pyramid.
"As we have seen, the pressure on the EFL is now at tipping point and we are urging the EFL executive to make this change happen for next season.
"Clubs like Worthing FC play such an important role both in our towns and in grassroots development, and fully deserve the opportunities, recognition and financial reward that this change will bring.”
Mr Rutland said: "It was fantastic to support the 3UP campaign in Parliament as we join the growing number of advocates calling for this change.
"Fans of Worthing FC and clubs across the country are proud supporters of their local National League teams, and it is about time that their efforts and ambitions are met with action, fairness, and opportunity."
Worthing FC chairman Mr Hunter said, “I would like to thank all othe MPs who took time out of a particularly busy day in Parliament. I managed to speak to most MPs as did the representatives from the National League and it was clear to us, the level of feeling there is for the 3UP campaign across the country.”
Last month, Macclesfield FC knocked holders Crystal Palace out of the FA Cup in the biggest-ever upset of the world’s oldest cup competition. Macclesfield were one of three National League teams taking part in the third round of the FA Cup, showing once again the high professional standard of the league.