This Saturday is Non-League Day. It was born when James Doe, an eagle-eyed Queens Park Rangers supporter, spotted that because England play Bulgaria in Euro 2012 Qualifying on Friday evening there is no England international or Premier League and Championship programme this weekend.
Such has been the incredible support and coverage already achieved by James, and latterly Mike Bayly, that you probably already know his motivations. Like many of the writers at twofootedtackle.com, James is passionate about non-league despite his own club of choice being a professional outfit. Having attended Harrow Borough matches regularly as a teenager, James recognises the cultural and community importance of the non-league game.
His simple idea – that football supporters at a loose end this Saturday should make the effort to get to their local club and show their support – has really taken off. Non-League Day has support from all quarters, with numerous leagues and the Football Association making their backing clear and countless clubs offering special discounts on the day, largely to those brandishing Premier League or Football League season tickets.
Here at TFT we bang on about non-league all the time, not because of some smug disdain for ‘big’ football, but because without non-league there is no big football. It’s a vital part of the football make-up in this country and one of which we should be proud. Almost every country loves football, but attending matches in such numbers as far down the ladder is one thing we British do better than them all. More importantly, it’s down to earth and fun. Do not for one moment think you’d be short changed.
This week’s twofootedtackle Podcast will be a non-league special and I’m delighted to confirm two exciting guests. Caroline Barker is the BBC’s non-league flag waver and anchors The Non-League Show, and will be joining myself and Gary in the studio. On the phone, we’ll have Non-League Day’s busy head honcho, James Doe. Get your emails in to podcast[at]twofootedtackle.com if you have any questions or comments.
So once again I’d like to throw my considerable personal weight behind Non League Day this Saturday. If you’re getting involved, leave a comment below to tell us where you’re going. Despite actually supporting a non-league team these days, I’ll be getting into the spirit of the day by dropping down a division to visit Godalming Town, a club much closer to home. Glenn Moulton from Town will also be joining us during this week’s podcast.
Tags: Non-League Day