“Just 20 extra people through the gate would allow us to pay the match officials. Anything above that and we’re making a profit.” Speaking on the twofootedtackle podcast last week, Colliers Wood United joint manager Mark Douglas spelt out just what an increased gate meant for a team like his in the Combined Counties League, Step 5 of the non-league game.
Such are the tight margins on which most non-league clubs are owned. At this level, there is very little in the way of cash floating about. There are no muti-millionaires drawing wages the average fan can only dream of. There are just 22 players turning out on a Saturday afternoon for the love of the game.
That Britain can sustain a footballing pyramid as far down as it does is testament to the love of the game in this country. That, in recent years, the non-league game has faded as the lustre of the Premier League has grown is upsetting. That many fans, either disillusioned or priced out of the top flight, are turning to grassroots for the football fix is heartening.
This site has sung the virtues of non-league before and have no hesitation in doing it again. For a fraction of the price of a ticket at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge or the Emirates, you can stand on the terraces of your local team, have a drink while watching the game, and, more often than not, take in an entertaining match for a reasonable standard, not to mention getting up close to the players. For a football fan - any football fan - it’s hard not to fall in love with the game.
And supporting non-league matters. Sure, your average non-league ground won’t match the comforts of a Premier League ground, but these clubs often act as a hub and a source of pride for the community.
An example. Back in 1993, Tiverton Town, my local club, reached the final of the FA Vase - a competition for clubs from Steps 5 to 7 of non-league (a sort of non-league Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, if you will). In 1998 and ‘99, Tiverton won the Vase for two consecutive seasons.
The joy and pride in the mid-Devon market town was something I’ve never experienced before, and doubt I’ll ever see again. These victories meant so much to the local community, bringing the area together like never before. The pride ran deep. Here was a club, a town, often malgined by its near neighbours, that had achieved success, and that meant so much to the town.
That is just one example of many. Small, non-league clubs connect with their communities. And they are as much as part of the national game as Manchester United and Liverpool are.
United, too, have reason to be thankful to the non-league game. When England walk out against Bulgaria tonight, Chris Smalling is likely to line up for the Three Lions. Just three years ago, the talented defender was at Maidstone United.
The Stones can rightly say they have played their part in developing Smalling, as he graduated through their youth ranks after joining at the age of 15. There are plenty of other youngsters or players who have slipped through the net at bigger clubs who can use non-league to launch or relaunch their career. It provides a lifeline to many youth products cast off from academies at a young age.
The likes of Jermaine Beckford, Steve Morison, Jamie Mackie, Michael Kightly, Gary Hooper and DJ Campbell have all served their time in non-league. Famously, the amateur game has also given a huge helping hand for the careers of the likes of Les Ferdinand, Ian Wright and Stuart Pearce.
Yet many clubs live a hand-to-mouth existence. Already this season non-league has lost the likes of Dawlish Town and Andover Town, over small sums of money that would barely cover half a day’s work for, say, Gareth Barry. For many clubs, even an extra twenty people through the gate makes a huge difference.
A strong non-league and amateur game benefits English football. And, with no top flight or international games on Saturday, this is the perfect opportunity to experience non-league for the first time. We have a feeling you’ll be back.
Still undecided where to go? Two Hundred Per Cent has a few suggestions.
Tags: Chris Smalling, Colliers Wood United, Maidstone United, Non-League Day, Tiverton Town
a good opportunity to visit some lesser known grounds. Lots of charity events going in conduction as well
[...] IT’S LOCAL AND LOVELY. NON-LEAGUE DAY. Tomorrow is Non-League Day, a celebration of local football on a day with not Prem or Championship. Here’s why it matters. // twofootedtackle [...]