With England playing San Marino on Friday 12th October, there are no Premier League or Championship fixtures on the corresponding weekend, meaning hundreds of thousands of fans are without a game to attend. Rather than miss out on a live match, Non-League Day aims to encourage fans of these clubs to watch their/a local non-league side play, providing a much needed boost to grass roots football and an alternative match-day experience which many will be unfamiliar with.
But I already follow another club?
Nobody is asking supporters to change allegiance or develop an overnight passion for a team they may never have seen play before: the organisers are also football fans and know this just doesn’t happen. Non-League Day is about supporting your local club as well as your local community, for just one Saturday of the year (naturally if you enjoy the experience it would be great for the club to see you there again).
Why should I pay to watch someone I don’t support?
Many non-league teams are run entirely by volunteers, and provide a number of opportunities for local people, especially via youth teams and educational work. Children who are unable to join professional academies often use non-league clubs as a way to continue their football education. It is important that these options remain plentiful and diverse. A few hundred pounds can make a big difference to a club’s budget at this level, and just an extra 40-50 people on the gate can significantly help with running costs. More and more non-league clubs go out of business every season, and it is important for local communities and the wider heritage of the game that this trend is reversed. Your support can go a long way to helping this.
Non-League football is a poor standard and doesn’t interest me.
It’s amazing how many people say that who have never actually been to a non-league game! Many non-league players have been on the books of professional clubs, and the stereotype of overweight players booting the ball into the air is simply unfounded. In recent years, Jermaine Beckford, DJ Campbell and Chris Smalling have all come through the non-league system and now grace the Premier League on a regular basis. Whilst the football may not be as quick or technically gifted as the professional leagues, it can still be very passionate, skilful and exciting.
How much does it cost to get in?
The price can vary from league to league and club to club but the vast majority will charge between £5-10, with children often admitted free. A lot of clubs will be offering discounts on the day to season-ticket holders of other teams so it’s best to check in advance.
What else makes non-league football appealing?
For many supporters of non-league football it’s the sense of belonging and preservation of traditional values that remains so appealing. The vast majority of games still kick off at 3pm, ticket prices are realistic, you can stand anywhere in the ground (often with a pint!) and will always be guaranteed a warm welcome by people who run their clubs for a love of the game. There is also a better chance of winning the half-time raffle!
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