The Non League Pyramid is in place to provide the opportunity for clubs to progress through a series of determined steps to a higher standard of football. This generally is achieved by finishing top or runners up in a League, although for promotion to be granted the club must also meet other criteria set by The Football Association, such as acceptable ground facilities to play at the next level. The Football Conference which is Step One, was introduced in 1979 and was first known as 'Alliance Premier Football League' formed from clubs who had previously been members of the Southern League or Northern League. Until 1986 the bottom four clubs of the Football League had to seek re-election, and clubs seeking promotion from Non League had to compete for votes, with few being successful. It then became one up and one down, whilst today it is two clubs relegated from the Football League, and two promoted from the Conference. As a result there are a fair number of well known former League sides now in what is known as the Skrill Conference League. The Conference introduced a North Division and South Division in 2004 and are at Step 2 in the Non League Pyramid.

Step 3 is made up of the Premier Divisions of the Evo-Stik, Rymans and Southern League.

Step 4 These Leagues at step 3 have two divisions of equal standing, based on location.

Step 5 The Western League Premier is on a par with twelve other leagues at this level. 

Step One Conference Premier

STEP FIVE - Toolstation Western League Premier Division plus Twelve other Leagues spread around

the country