The 2016–17 National League season, known as the Vanarama National League for sponsorship reasons, was the second season under the new title of National League, thirteenth season consisting of three divisions and the thirty-eighth season overall.[1]
The National League covers the top two levels of non-League football in England. The National League is the fifth highest level of the overall pyramid, while the National League North and National League South exist at the sixth level. The top team and the winner of the play-off of the Premier division will be promoted to League Two, while the bottom four are relegated to the North or South divisions. The champions of the North and South divisions will be promoted to the Premier division, alongside the play-off winners from each division. The bottom three in each of the North and South divisions are relegated to the premier divisions of the Northern Premier League, Isthmian League or Southern League. The fixtures were announced on 6 July 2016.[2]
The following teams changed divisions after the 2015–16 season. Solihull Moors were the first team to be promoted
after North Ferriby United's 2–0 loss to Stalybridge Celtic on 13 April 2016 clinched them the National League North title. This will be their first season in the National League. Sutton United were promoted on 23 April 2016 after a 2–0 win over Chelmsford City, returning to the league for the first time in sixteen years.
On the final day of the season, Altrincham were relegated after losing 3–0 to Braintree Town, ending their two-year stay in the league. FC Halifax Town's 1–1 draw against Macclesfield Town was not enough to save them after Guiseley's 4–3 win over Torquay United, ending their three-year stay in the league.
Source: National League official site Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Number of matches won; 5) Head-to-head results [22] (C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated
Source: National League official site Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Number of matches won; 5) Head-to-head results [22] (C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated Notes:
^ abcDarlington 1883 were barred from the play-offs due to failing ground size regulations.[24]
^Four teams played for one spot and promotion to the National League.
^Worcester were relegated, and took a further voluntary demotion to the Midland League for financial reasons.[25]
Source: National League official site Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Number of matches won; 5) Head-to-head results [22] (C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners; (P) Promoted; (R) Relegated Notes:
^Four teams played for one spot and promotion to the National League.
^ abHungerford Town and Poole Town were barred from the play-offs due to failing ground size regulations.[24]
Updated to match(es) played on 29 April 2017. Source: The National League Official Website Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.