The Northern League ran as one of two major amateur competitions (with the Isthmian League) in tandem with the professional Football League, Southern League and, since 1968, the Northern Premier League.
Northern League vận hành như là một trong hai giải đấu nghiệp dư (cùng với Isthmian League) cùng với giải chuyên nghiệp Football League, Southern League và, từ 1968, Northern Premier League.