The excitement of the Vanarama National League play-offs is set to unfold with confirmed important dates as teams vie for promotion. This year’s play-off structure promises thrilling encounters as clubs battle for a coveted spot in the Football League. The National League has outlined the schedule for the eliminator matches, semi-finals, and the final, ensuring all participants are aware of their paths to potential glory.
The first eliminator, featuring the 5th and 6th placed teams, will take place on Wednesday, 14 May. Following closely, the match between the 4th and 7th placed teams, known as Eliminator B, is scheduled for Thursday, 15 May. These initial rounds will set the stage for the semi-finals, which are slated for Tuesday, 20 May, and Wednesday, 21 May.
The winners of the semi-finals will then advance to the highly anticipated Promotion Final, set for Sunday, 1 June at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
In parallel, the Vanarama National League North and South play-offs will also follow a similar structure. The first eliminators for these divisions are scheduled for the end of April, with Eliminator A occurring on Tuesday, 29 April, and Eliminator B on Wednesday, 30 April.
The semi-finals will be held on the weekend of 3 and 4 May, leading to a flexible Promotion Final date between 17 and 18 May, hosted at the venue of the higher-placed team from the regular season.
The significance of these play-offs cannot be overstated; they represent a vital opportunity for teams to secure promotion. As the regular season races toward its conclusion, the anticipation builds among players, coaches, and fans alike.
Performances in the coming weeks will be essential, and the excitement surrounding the play-offs is palpable. With the dates officially announced, teams are now focused on the challenge ahead, enthusiastic to seize the chance for advancement into the next tier of English football.
Confirmed Play-off dates for all three divisions:
Vanarama National League
Eliminator A (5th v 6th) – Wednesday 14 May
Eliminator B – (4th v 7th) – Thursday 15 May
Semi-Final (2nd v Eliminator A Winner) – Tuesday 20 May
Semi-Final (3rd v Eliminator B Winner) – Wednesday 21 May
Promotion Final – Sunday 1 June (Wembley Stadium)
Vanarama National League North
Eliminator A (5th v 6th) – Tuesday 29 April
Eliminator B – (4th v 7th) – Wednesday 30 April
Semi-Final (2nd v Eliminator A Winner) – Saturday 3 May
Semi-Final (3rd v Eliminator B Winner) – Sunday 4 May
Promotion Final – Saturday 17 May/Sunday 18 May
Vanarama National League South
Eliminator A (5th v 6th) – Tuesday 29 April
Eliminator B – (4th v 7th) – Wednesday 30 April
Semi-Final (2nd v Eliminator A Winner) – Saturday 3 May
Semi-Final (3rd v Eliminator B Winner) – Sunday 4 May
Promotion Final – Saturday 17 May/Sunday 18 May