The Fourth Football League is a professional football league in England, positioned below the top three tiers of the English football league system. It was established in 1981 to provide a competitive platform for clubs that did not meet the criteria for the higher leagues. The league has undergone various changes in name and structure over the years, reflecting the evolving landscape of English football. Clubs in the Fourth Football League compete for promotion to higher divisions, while also striving to avoid relegation. The league serves as a vital stepping stone for smaller clubs, allowing them to gain experience and potentially rise to the more prestigious Premier League or EFL Championship.