This afternoon’s fixture against FC Halifax Town will begin at the slightly unusual time of 3:03pm – and for a very important reason. Across the division, all Vanarama National League matches are kicking off three minutes later as part of the league-wide 3Up Campaign, a united push to champion fairer progression, stronger opportunity, and a clearer pathway between the National League and the EFL.

What Is the 3Up Campaign?

The 3Up Campaign is an initiative launched by the National League calling for an increase in promotion places from two to three between the National League and League Two.

Currently, the National League is the only step in the English football pyramid where just two teams progress to the division above. With the scale, professionalism, and fan bases across the league continuing to grow, many feel the structure no longer reflects the quality and competitiveness of the clubs involved.

The 3Up campaign argues that three promotion spots would:

  • Create fairer movement between divisions
  • Reward ambition and investment across the league
  • Support clubs developing on and off the pitch
  • Better align with the rest of the football pyramid

Why the 3:03pm Kick-Off?

The three-minute delay is a symbolic gesture adopted across all National League matches today. It serves as a moment of collective visibility – highlighting the message that the league, its clubs, and its supporters stand together in pushing for a more transparent and progressive promotion system.

The delayed kick-off allows each club to share the campaign’s messaging, educate supporters, and demonstrate unity in what is a crucial movement for the future of the division.

Why It Matters

The National League has evolved dramatically in recent years. Attendances have risen, commercial interest has increased, and clubs across the league – both full-time and community-driven – have shown they can compete, grow and thrive at a higher level.

Introducing a third promotion place would better reflect the league’s strength, avoid bottlenecks at the top end of the table, and ensure clubs are rewarded for long-term planning and sustainable development.

For clubs like Sutton United, who have experienced the journey from the National League to the EFL and back again, the importance of a fair and achievable route upward is crystal clear.

A United Message on a United Matchday

As we welcome FC Halifax Town to the VBS Community Stadium, we join the rest of the division in supporting this vital initiative. The 3Up Campaign is about ambition, opportunity, and recognising the incredible progress this league has made on and off the pitch.

We encourage supporters to engage with the campaign, learn more about the movement, and help share its message across social media using #3Up.

And don’t forget – you can play your part. Sign the petition to add your name to the cause; join an ever-growing list of people who are advocating for a long overdue change.

Kick-off may be three minutes later, but the message is louder than ever:

It’s time for three promotion places. It’s time for fair progression. It’s time for 3Up.