In the UK, the end of March saw Non-League Day celebrated. It’s a day each year when non-league football clubs promote themselves and encourage fans of Premier League teams or those that usually stay at home to watch football to get down to their local ground and see what it’s all about.
For some of those people, it can be life-changing, them catching the bug of non-league instantly. For others, it’s a bug that has been there for a very long time.
That’s because non-league football offers a community like no other. It’s the purest form of football, away from the glitz and the glam, the VAR and the million-dollar prima donnas.
But just because Non-League Day has passed, it doesn’t mean that you should ignore the game. In fact, here are five reasons why non-league football is great every single Saturday of the season…
Community Spirit
Non-league football is deeply rooted in local communities, with many teams and clubs being run by volunteers. This creates a strong sense of community spirit and pride, as players and fans come together to support their local team. This close-knit community also provides opportunities for players to build relationships with their fans and create a sense of belonging.
Affordable Entertainment
Unlike professional football leagues, non-league football is much more affordable for fans. Ticket prices are lower, and there is often free entry for children. This makes non-league football a great form of entertainment for families and local residents, without breaking the bank.
It’s so much more accessible for children, with the ability for them to run and play if they get bored, or simply just have that little more space, which you don’t get with tens of thousands of fans around you on the top flight.
Friends for Life
The community can really grip you, and that friendly environment then becomes your friendly environment, where people say hello, know your name, and look after you. Many people have started visiting non-leagues after difficult periods in their life, and whatever their story, from going through drug rehab to losing a loved one, they’re made to feel welcome.
We all go through difficult periods in our lives, and the diverse nature of a non-league crowd, not priced out by £50+ tickets, understands that. No matter what the circumstances. It’s a place to make friends, enjoy adventures and feel a type of love you really don’t feel anywhere else.
Unique Matchday Experiences
Non-league football offers a unique matchday experience for fans, with a variety of traditions and rituals. Fans may bring their own chairs or stand behind the goalposts, and there is often a friendly and informal atmosphere. This creates a welcoming environment for fans, where they can enjoy the game and socialize with other supporters.
You’ll Go to Towns You Never Knew Existed
We’ve all heard of Manchester and Stoke, but Marske and Nantwich? Well, non-league football will take you to towns you are completely unaware of, enabling you to see parts of the country you’d never think to see otherwise.
With that, you get lovely, picturesque towns, with great pubs, restaurants, and people. What a way to spend a weekend!