Nonleagueday
Mike Bayly
- Jul 31, 2011
- 1
NON-LEAGUE DAY 2011
Saturday September 3rd
Hello! Hope you don’t mind too much but we would like to bring to your attention a national campaign called “Non-League Day” scheduled to run on Saturday September 3rd.
Below are some questions that were raised during the 2010 campaign, which we have done our best to answer.
What is Non-League Day?
With England playing Bulgaria on Friday 2nd September, 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.
What leagues does it cover?
Everything from Conference National down to park football. We will primarily be looking to promote the fixtures of clubs who participate in the National League System – the first seven levels below the Football League. Obviously, there are other teams who play below this level, and we are happy to highlight their games if so requested.
Why don't you include League 1 and League 2 clubs?
When we first started Non-League Day, supporters of Football League clubs pointed out that Conference National teams often get bigger attendances than those at League 2 or even League 1 level. However, we had to draw a line somewhere, even if that line is becoming increasingly blurred. The hope is that many smaller clubs much further down the pyramid will see the biggest benefit of the campaign, particularly those that get crowds of less than three figures.
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 non-league 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 clubs are run entirely by volunteers, and provide a number of opportunities for local people, especially via youth team academies, educational work and fund raising. 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 is nonetheless very enjoyable to watch.
How much does it cost to get in?
The price can vary from league to league and club to club, although anything from £3.50 - £15 would be a reasonable estimate, 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 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!
Where can I get more information?
You can find more details about the day, including maps to locate your nearest club, on the website due for launch around August 10th.
Many thanks for your time
James and Mike
Saturday September 3rd
Hello! Hope you don’t mind too much but we would like to bring to your attention a national campaign called “Non-League Day” scheduled to run on Saturday September 3rd.
Below are some questions that were raised during the 2010 campaign, which we have done our best to answer.
What is Non-League Day?
With England playing Bulgaria on Friday 2nd September, 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.
What leagues does it cover?
Everything from Conference National down to park football. We will primarily be looking to promote the fixtures of clubs who participate in the National League System – the first seven levels below the Football League. Obviously, there are other teams who play below this level, and we are happy to highlight their games if so requested.
Why don't you include League 1 and League 2 clubs?
When we first started Non-League Day, supporters of Football League clubs pointed out that Conference National teams often get bigger attendances than those at League 2 or even League 1 level. However, we had to draw a line somewhere, even if that line is becoming increasingly blurred. The hope is that many smaller clubs much further down the pyramid will see the biggest benefit of the campaign, particularly those that get crowds of less than three figures.
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 non-league 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 clubs are run entirely by volunteers, and provide a number of opportunities for local people, especially via youth team academies, educational work and fund raising. 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 is nonetheless very enjoyable to watch.
How much does it cost to get in?
The price can vary from league to league and club to club, although anything from £3.50 - £15 would be a reasonable estimate, 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 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!
Where can I get more information?
You can find more details about the day, including maps to locate your nearest club, on the website due for launch around August 10th.
Many thanks for your time
James and Mike
