Is the National League professional or semi-professional?

The National League is the fifth tier of English football, sitting one tier below League Two, and features 24 clubs every season.

It is also referred to as Step One in the Non-League system, as it is the highest division outside of the EFL, with the National League North and National League South one level below.

While most of the clubs within the division are professional, there are a handful considered semi-professional outfits.

Here, DAZN News breaks down exactly what constitutes professional or semi-professional and how each team operates.

The difference between professional and semi-professional in English football

Professional

In the context of players, the term 'professional' refers to those who have a full-time contract and can therefore be considered professional footballers.

This means that they are paid a wage to play competitively, train and ensure they maintain high standards of fitness, conduct and training, unlike amateurs who play as a hobby.

Semi-professional

If a footballer is semi-professional, it means they are part-time and are paid to play, although football is not their primary job.

As part of their contracts, they are required to train on two evenings a week and play competitive matches, but work or study around their schedule.

Hybrid model

In the National League, some of the clubs operate under a hybrid model, meaning they fit somewhere between the professional and semi-professional models.

For example, players train more than twice a week, but not every day, allowing for greater physical and tactical work between matches.

This model benefits clubs as they can sign players who are somewhere between being semi-professional and professional, so they can balance other careers.

Professional National League clubs

• Aldershot Town
• Altrincham
• Boreham Wood
• Boston United
• Braintree Town
• Carlisle United
• Eastleigh
• Halifax Town
• Forest Green Rovers
• Gateshead
• Hartlepool United
• Morecambe
• Rochdale
• Scunthorpe United
• Solihull Moors
• Southend United
• Sutton United
• Truro City
• Woking
• Yeovil Town
• York City

Hybrid National League clubs

• Wealdstone

Semi-professional National League clubs

• Brackley Town
• Tamworth

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