Get behind Non League Day

Football fans from around the country are being urged to support their local team this weekend as Non-League Day returns for a second consecutive year.

Regular supporters of teams in the Conference and below are hoping that fans of the Premier League and Championship will help swell their attendances on Saturday with a huge schedule of league and FA Cup Preliminary Round fixtures across the country.

Non-League Day spokesman, Mike Bayly, commented: “NLD is a celebration of the semi-professional and amateur game and a chance for fans of bigger clubs to experience football at a level they may be otherwise unfamiliar with.

“It ‘s also a chance to shine a light on the hundreds of clubs in this country who are almost exclusively volunteer-run and do so much good for the local community through coaching, fund raising or providing opportunities for local people.”

ESPN football pundit Chris Waddle is this year’s Non-League Day ambassador: “It’s a brilliant idea and I fully endorse the promotion of our grassroots game,” said the former England international, who started his career at Tow Law Town in County Durham before making his name at Newcastle United.

The Conference have organised a special “three match hop” for Non-League Day with supporters able to watch matches from all three of their divisions in succession.

Conference North fixture Bishop’s Stortford v Boston United, kicks off at 12.30pm with fans then able to head over to Chelmsford City v Dover Athletic in the Conference South at 3.30pm before Braintree Town v Lincoln City in the Conference at 7pm concludes the trio of games. 

Coach travel to all three games will be provided by Blue Square with transport ticket costs going to MacMillan Cancer Support – for more information contact sponsorship@bluesq.com.

For more information on Non-League Day visit www.nonleagueday.co.uk