Successful 3:03 Campaign Shows That The EFL Can't Ignore The Fans Anymore - 3UP Is A Must

Successful 3:03 Campaign Shows That The EFL Can't Ignore The Fans Anymore - 3UP Is A Must

Over the last few weeks, debate has ensued amongst grassroots football, and campaigns for change have been echoing throughout the National League.

3UP is a campaign started by fans, and backed by clubs alike, that supports the decision that 3 teams should be promoted from the National League into League Two every season. In support of this, every National League fixture this weekend kicked off at 3:03 PM instead of the traditional 3 PM kick off time.

🚨 𝗔𝗟𝗟 National League games will kick off at 3:03pm on Saturday 15th November!

ℹ️ This is part of the ‘3UP Day of Action’, supporting the National League’s campaign for three clubs to be promoted to the EFL. pic.twitter.com/FdrEQGOqNc

— National League on DAZN (@DAZN_NationalLg) October 11, 2025

In what's considered as one of the most unpredictable leagues in world football, fans believe their clubs deserve more recognition for their efforts. Let's take a look at the 3UP campaign in depth, understanding what is being campaigned for, and whether their voices are being heard.

The 3UP Plan

As mentioned, the idea in short is that; instead of only 2 teams joining the Football League each year via promotion, there should be an additional third team that goes up. Currently, only the winners of the National League, accompanied by the winners of the play-offs gain promotion. However, the campaign hopes to achieve two automatic promotion spots up for grabs alongside the play-offs.

Currently, the EFL have refused to undertake formal discussions surrounding the matter, which has led to further unrest amongst National League fans and clubs, prompting them to make the decision to kick games off at 3:03 PM.

The reason for this campaign is to preserve the integrity of the league and to uphold the efforts of the second-placed sides who fail to earn promotion. For example, last season saw York City finish second in the National League with 96 points, yet it was Oldham Athletic who finished fifth with 23 less points that earned the second promotion spot via the play-offs. Therefore, York's 96 point season meant very little and prompted the club to write an open letter to the National League and the EFL regarding the current promotion rules.

Unjust Promotion Rules – A Call for Immediate Reform

An open letter from Julie-Anne Uggla addressed to the National League & the EFL

⤵️#YCFC🔴🔵

— York City FC (@YorkCityFC) June 2, 2025

Why 3UP Is A Must

The proposal for 3 teams to be promoted to the EFL is imperative. Not only does this allow for greater integration of smaller clubs into the Football League, but it also upholds the admiration for the National League.

The National League is comprised of 24 teams from across the country. In order to get into the National League, the majority of teams have to pass through at least 5 divisions within their regions in the United Kingdom, therefore it is no ordinary feat to be at the top of grassroots football.

Furthermore, by only allowing 2 teams to be promoted each year, the EFL face scrutiny due to the fact they are preserving the Football League and disregarding the work smaller clubs put in to grow and progress.

Merely allowing 2 teams to go up makes the National League less interesting, and less rewarding. After playing 46 games in a season and falling second on the last day, to then subsequently lose the play-offs and remain in the division for another season is not only heart-breaking, but it is also unjust and an unequal reflection of the season.

The EFL Structure - Why It Is Flawed

Take into consideration the Football League pyramid.

League Two allows for four teams to get promoted into League One, with 3 automatic spots and 1 play-off spot. Promotion from League One to the Championship is rewarded to 3 teams, two automatically and one through the play-offs. From the Championship, two teams automatically go the Premier League, whilst one extra team gets promoted through the play-offs.

Therefore, the EFL allows a lot of movement within the Football League pyramid, allowing for fairytales across the divisions. However, it does not allow much leeway for clubs wanting to join the Football League and makes an already difficult task even harder.

One may argue this is because of the drop in quality between League Two and the National League, however this is simply a false statement. Only a few weeks ago, National League side Forest Green Rovers reduced League One side Luton Town to an injury time winner which saw them go through Round 1 of the FA Cup. Considering there is a whole 2 leagues difference between the sides, Forest Green Rovers put up more than a fight and were desperately unlucky to not progress.

West Ham are losing to sixth-tier Kidderminster Harriers 🤭

(via @EmiratesFACup)pic.twitter.com/StpUuBnVse

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 5, 2022

Previous examples of non-league excellence in the cup include Tamworth taking Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur to extra time, Kidderminster Harriers reaching Round 4 of the FA Cup and playing West Ham United, and countless other examples that show the non-league should be considered in a greater realm than it is.

The Magic Of The National League

The National League is home to some of the fiercest rivalries across the United Kingdom. For example, Woking vs Aldershot is a derby that is rooted deep in English football folklore. Additionally, Oldham vs Rochdale is a fixture for the bucket list despite OIdham now being part of the EFL. Southend United vs Dagenham and Redbridge is also a derby to behold.

❤️ 25/26 𝑴𝑨𝑻𝑪𝑯 𝑻𝑯𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫 🤍

Every game I've attended, during the 25/26 season! 🗓 🙌

🃏 #wokingfc | #COYC ♦️ pic.twitter.com/LUBEp6N3qw

— Dukey (@Dukey_3006) November 14, 2025

These fierce rivalries characterise the sheer passion of non-league football. On top of this, the devout fans of these non-league clubs travel in their hundreds home and away every weekend in loyal support of their teams. So, to chalk these games down as mere fixtures within a 46-game season, with very minimal long-term reward, is frankly an embarrassment on the EFL's behalf.

Play off final attendances:

National League - 52,115
League Two - 50,947
League One - 76,193
Championship - 82,718

English football is just absolutely unmatched anywhere on the planet.

Our pyramid is so special. #safc #cafc #afcw #oafc

— Michael Oates✍🏻📚🔴⚪️⚽️ (@afootyeducation) June 1, 2025

Where From Here?

With every National League club holding firm in support of the 3UP campaign, we can expect more unity and more noise within the division regarding this.

Put your name to the campaign 🗣️

93% of football supporters are behind #3UP - and you can play your part.

Tap the link and sign the petition ✍️

— Enterprise National League (@NL_Enterprise) November 11, 2025

The case in point is strong, and the EFL may be forced to listen up and make a change promptly, or grassroots football may face a breakaway from the Football League like we have never seen before.