NIFA National League
| National League | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 1994 |
| No. of clubs | 36 |
| Level | 3 |
| Promotion from | NIFA Superleague 2 |
| Relegation to | County Premier |
| Divisions | |
| Domestic cup(s) | Challenge Cup |
| League cup(s) | National League Cup |
The NIFA National League is the third-tier of competitive Huruball in New Ingerland. The National League forms the lowest level in the New Ingerland football league system that is semi-professional, sitting below the Superleague 2 and above the various amateur leagues organised by the county football associations.
Currently consisting of three conferences (North, East, and South), the National League will gain a nationwide Conference Championship in 2024 as football moves towards allowing full professionalism in the Superleague 1 and Superleague 2 for the first time.
History
The New Ingerland National League (National League) was established in 1994 as a response to the growing demand for a more organised and competitive football structure in New Ingerland. Prior to the creation of the National League, football in New Ingerland was divided into amateur county leagues and the two divisions of the semi-professional NIFA Superleague. Aside from the period between 1963 and 1981 when there had been a NIFA Third Division, this system had remained largely unchanged since the 1950s. The National League aimed to bridge the gap between these two levels of football and provide a pathway for teams to progress from the county leagues to the NIFA Superleague. The league initially consisted of two conferences - North and South - with each conference made up of 16 teams each from across all counties.
The inaugural season of the National League saw 32 teams competing across the two conferences. The North Conference was won by Edmonton, and the South Conference by Eastern Suburbs. The end of season National League Cup saw Eastern Suburbs emerge as the first National League champions, beating Edmonton 17.23 (125) to 11.10 (76).
In 2003, the National League was restructured to have three conferences - North, East, and South - with each conference consisting of 12 teams. This change was made to improve the geographical spread of teams and reduce travel costs.
In 2024, the National League is set to undergo another major change, with the introduction of a nationwide Conference Championship division. This division will stand above the current regional divisions and will be the highest level of semi-professional football in New Ingerland as the NIFA Superleague becomes a fully professional league for the first time. The move toward full professionalism of the NIFA Superleague is seen as a significant milestone for football in the country, as it will provide more opportunities for players to pursue their careers in the sport.
As it has developed, the National League has grown significantly in popularity and stature, with the addition of new teams and the development of a strong fan base. The league has played a significant role in the development of football in New Ingerland. It has provided a platform for amateur teams to showcase their skills and progress through the ranks to the elite levels of the sport. As the league continues to evolve and expand, it is set to remain a vital part of the football landscape in New Ingerland for many years to come.
Current membership
Below are listed the member clubs of the National League for the 2023 season.
National League Conference North
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National League Conference East
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National League Conference South
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