NON-LEAGUE Day celebrates its tenth edition today – a simple idea from founder James Doe has mushroomed into an established part of the calendar.
James – a QPR fan – came up with the concept when he visited Tavistock Town in a pre-season game in 2010 and that led to him visiting local club Harrow Borough.
So each season during an international break, NLD encourages fans down to their local team. From there it has grown and grown. In the build-up to this weekend, Premier League clubs were tweeting about their local clubs and Prostate Cancer UK and Kick It Out continue to show their support each year.
Perhaps you’re reading this today at your first Non-League game – we’re sure you will enjoy the experience.
Many clubs have benefited from the extra publicity and media spotlight the day brings and that is something to be welcomed. It’s not easy when the game at the highest level is everywhere. Finding column inches or air time often needs an angle and NLD is just that.
Of course, we can trot out many clichés about Non-League football. The players don’t dive – some do – that clubs are more welcoming – most are – and you can speak to the players in the bar after the game. And it’s affordable!
Non-League football will mean different things to different people but there’s no doubting it is at the heart of the game in this country.
Where else would four-figure crowds watch a game in the eighth tier? Sometimes even lower.
Non-League football is to be celebrated and treasured. But we shouldn’t be blind to the fact a number of clubs are struggling to make ends meet. That getting through the season is an achievement. Costs are high and it is hard to compete. For those that have the resources, there are more that don’t.
A particular issue facing these levels is volunteering. There aren’t enough of them!
Giving up your time can be a rewarding experience and the more savvy clubs are making better use of people’s skills. Look around you in the crowd today, there are people from all backgrounds, industries and trades. Look at yourself, you will have skills that are invaluable to a Non-League club even if you don’t realise it.
It doesn’t have to be all the hours under the sun. Just putting up posters to advertise games or delivering leaflets in the local area can make a big difference. And that all makes for a healthy, thriving Non-League.
Enjoy the day!